LSU’s Mondo Duplantis Threatened as Arch-Rival’s Latest Glory Sends a Strong Message

Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis’ incredible record-breaking performances have elevated the bar to unprecedented heights. His personal best boasts a remarkable seven centimeters above the next-best in the all-time list. This alone showcases his unparalleled dominance in the sport. However, we cannot possibly ignore the next best.

The next-best athlete inched one step closer to the unreachable Mondo Duplantis this year at the 2023 World Athletics Championship. Later, he clinched silver again at the Diamond League. And now, he has made history yet again with his latest achievement. All signs point to one thing, he is coming for the King’s crown in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Mondo Duplantis’ Rival Fulfills His Dream of Asian Games Domination

Earlier, in an interview with Sean McAlister from the Olympic Channel, Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena opened up about his next goal for 2023. It was to win gold at the Asian Games. He did exactly what he said he would by clinching gold yesterday.

EJ Obiena initially encountered a setback during his first endeavor at the height that would have initially been the winning height. Taking the bar down, he executed a flawless second attempt. He propelled himself gracefully over the bar and thereby assured himself of the coveted gold medal! 

In a corner of the stadium by the pole vault mat, his enthusiastic supporters proudly unfolded a massive Philippine flag as a symbol of their jubilation and support. Obiena is also the first and only Asian man to conquer the illustrious six-meter bar. Following this, Obiena raised the bar to a height of 5.90 meters, a challenge he effortlessly conquered on his initial attempt, thus further extending the record he had previously set at 5.75 meters during the Asian Games. 

What’s Next for EJ Obiena after Asian Games Glory?

Obiena had boldly requested an even greater challenge by having the bar adjusted to 6.02 meters in an ambitious attempt to surpass his own Asian record. However, despite his valiant efforts, he was unable to clear the bar in all three of his subsequent attempts at that extraordinary height. 

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The present record of 6.23m, established in 2023 belongs to the Swede, Armand Duplantis. Obiena’s next goal is to beat Duplantis at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hopefully he succeeds in breaking the record on the world’s biggest stage.

Let’s get back to the Asian Games pole vault final at Hangzhou. People’s Republic of China and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also completed the podium on Saturday, 30 September. Huang Bokai and Hussain al Hizam, both recorded 5.65m. Huang Bokai took silver for China on countback and Hissain al Hizam took Bronze for Saudi Arabia. 

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