
Olympic-bound pole vaulter EJ Obiena fell short of a podium finish at the prestigious Bauhaus-Galan Wanda Diamond League Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden after settling for fourth place over the weekend.
Obiena posted 5.82 meters behind world record holder and hometown bet Armand Duplantis, who dominated the field with a new meet record of 6.02m.
The 25-year-old PH bet attempted 5.92m – a few centimeters higher than his season and personal best of 5.87m – but failed.
The event served as a preview of what to expect at the Olympics scheduled late this month as all eight participants are bound to the Games.
Duplantis showed why he’s the clear favorite to win the Olympic gold after clearing 5.62m, 5.82m, 5.92 and 6.02m with ease. He passed 6.07m by attempting 6.19m to break his world outdoor record of 6.10m, but failed.
United States’ Sam Kendricks, who won the bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, came in second via countback against third-placer and Rio Olympics silver medalist Renaud Lavillenie of France after both finished with identical 5.92m.
Poland’s Piotr Lisek settled for fifth with 5.82m, while United States champion Chris Nilsen finished sixth with 5.72m. American KC Lightfoot and Swedish Melker Svard Jacobsson posted 5.62m and 5.52m, respectively.
Obiena earned a spot at the star-studded tournament after topping the Taby Stav Gala Street Pole Vault in Bottnaryd, Sweden last Friday.