With third straight national title in pocket, Cole eyes Obiena meet success

Elijah Cole is congratulated by PATAFA president Terry Capistrano at the 2025 Philippine Athletic Championships. (Photo Credit: PATAFA)

From Philippine Daily Inquirer | June Navarro

CAPAS, TARLAC—Elijah Cole soared to his third straight national title on Saturday night, clearing 5.25 meters at the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at New Clark City Athletic Stadium.

And he has no plans of going home just yet.

Cole will also see action in the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) Pole Vault Challenge on Tuesday, a high-profile meet organized by world No. 4 vaulter and Olympian EJ Obiena at Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

“I believe I can clear 5.50 or 5.60, and hopefully that will qualify me for the Asian Championships,” said Cole, aiming for the 5.51-m entry standard for this month’s continental meet in Gumi, South Korea.

The pole vault event in the national championships featured a strong international field. Taiwanese vaulters Huang Cheng-chi and Wu Yan-han delivered matching results at 5.20m, with Huang taking silver via countback.

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