Record-breaker EJ Obiena rules Croatia tourney for first 2024 gold

Ernest John "EJ" Obiena began his 2024 indoor season campaign with a record-breaking performance in Croatia.

The current second-ranked pole vaulter bagged his first gold of the year in the Memorial Josip Gasparac – a World Indoor Tour Bronze event – after clearing 5.83 meters in one try for a new meet record.

"Indoor season finally kicked off," Obiena wrote on social media. "Thank you for having us and putting on a great atmosphere."

Portugal's Pedro Buaro took the silver with 5.73m, while the United States' Olen Tray Oates copped the bronze by leaping past 5.61m.

Obiena tried to surpass 5.93m but failed in his three attempts.

The reigning Asian Games champion easily breezed past the 5.51-meter bar in one try before overcoming 5.73m in his second attempt.

The Croatian tiff is one of the two preparatory competitions Obiena will participate in ahead of the upcoming World Indoor Championships on March 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Up next for Obiena is the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin, Germany on February 23 before his Scottish trip.

Last year, in the same tournament, the Asian pole vault record holder finished second behind Sweden's Armand Duplantis.

These competitions are part of Obiena's preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July.