Fil-American Natalie Uy matched her national record in women’s pole vault after placing fifth in the USA Track & Field Invitational (USATF) in Prairie View, Texas on Tuesday, May 25.
Uy, the reigning Southeast Asian Games champion, cleared 4.30 meters on her first attempt to equal her PH mark set at the Acadia Invitational in Greenville, North Carolina in 2020.
Though settling behind four others including winner Morgann LeLeux of the United States (4.60m), Uy posted her season best to date following a major wrist injury that required surgery.
Her feat also surpassed her SEAG record of 4.25m she posted at the 2019 edition in Manila.
Uy attempted to clear 4.40m but failed.
United States’ Kortney Ross and Olivia Gruver finished second and third with 4.50m, Canada’s Anicka Newell came in fourth with 4.40m.
Uy seeks a berth in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but needs to further up her game as the entry standard is at 4.70m.
So far, there are only 24 athletes who have reached the standard.