Hokett delos Santos earns shock entry to Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Problem

UST standout Hokett delos Santos features a wild card entry to the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Problem bannered by his idol EJ Obiena as he guidelines the Nationwide Pole Vault Competitors in Makati

MANILA, Philippines – Hokett delos Santos had solely needed to benefit from the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Problem as a spectator, however he will get to expertise a lot extra.

Delos Santos earned a wild card entry to the worldwide meet bannered by his idol EJ Obiena after he dominated the Nationwide Pole Vault Competitors on the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati on Saturday, September 20.

The UST standout topped the lads’s division by surpassing 5.00 meters, beating nationwide group veteran Janry Ubas and Tiger Tracksters teammate Mejen Sombongan, who bagged silver and bronze, respectively, with 4.45m clearances.

“Truthfully, I used to be not enthusiastic about this competitors as a result of I used to be extra excited to look at and see the massive names in pole vaulting,” Delos Santos mentioned in Filipino. “I didn’t anticipate that I’ll be competing internationally.”

The World Pole Vault Problem initially featured 9 of the most effective pole vaulters on the earth, together with Ersu Sasma of Turkey, Menno Vloon of the Netherlands, Thibaut Collet of France, Ben Broeders of Belgium, Austin Miller and Matt Ludwig of america, Piotr Lisek of Poland, and Oleg Zernikel of Germany. 

However Delos Santos acquired the shock of a lifetime when Obiena introduced that the reigning UAAP champion may also participate within the meet sanctioned by World Athletics.

“I’m glad however on the identical time nervous as a result of I’m only a five-meter jumper, then I’ll go up in opposition to those that are shut to 6 meters. What is going to occur to me tomorrow?” Delos Santos mentioned with amusing.

“However I’m joyful that I’m a part of the occasion tomorrow. I’ve an opportunity to try peak.”

Delos Santos mentioned his objective is to eclipse his private better of 5.15m.

“I believe we are able to do it. We ready effectively for this competitors,” mentioned the 22-year-old, who failed at his try at 5.20m on Saturday earlier than being advised by coach Emerson Obiena to protect his power.

The ladies’s class noticed Alyana Nicolas strike gold with 3.80m as she solidified her standing as the highest feminine pole vaulter within the nation after reigning within the Philippine Athletics Championships earlier this 12 months.

Amy Christensen nailed silver with 3.70m, whereas Jia Kawachi and Jessa Marie Libres shared the bronze with 3.40m.

“I [would] similar to to say large congratulations to EJ for placing this collectively,” mentioned Nicolas. “It’s simply nice to see how organized it was. The group was superb and the runway was top-notch, world-class.”

The World Pole Vault Problem is about on Sunday, September 21, on the identical venue. – Rappler.com