International pole vault stars enjoyed a full PH experience

The world’s top-ranked pole vaulters enjoyed both the high of competition and the joy of experiencing a new place in the Philippines.

International athletes who participated in the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge delighted Filipino sports fans at the Ayala Triangle on Sunday, as they made their bids for the best height at the event, a first in the country.

More than clearing the bar, they were eager to experience what the Philippines had to offer, from trying the country’s local cuisine and exploring new places to immersing in Filipino culture and meeting people. 

Dutch pole vaulter and current World No. 6 Menno Vloon wanted to connect with Filipinos during his visit. He expressed his excitement about experiencing the energy and atmosphere of competing in the pole vault in the Philippines.

“It’s always special to jump in a new environment,” Vloon said. Among the things he looked forward to in his visit were connecting with the local athletics community and feeling the crowd’s support.

The current World No. 5, Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, was focused on the event, stating that he wanted to “have a successful competition and hopefully win.” 

French athlete Thibaut Collet expressed that he wanted to “jump in a crazy place” and discover what was in store in the country.

The other pole vaulters wanted to immerse themselves in the Filipino experience. 

It was also Poland’s Piotr Lisek’s first visit to the Philippines, and he was curious about the country’s food.

American Austin Miller and Belgian Ben Broaders also looked forward to experiencing Filipino food and culture.

Germany’s OIeg Zernikel was “excited for everything!” His visit to the Philippines for the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge was his first time in the country. Among the things he was eager to explore were the Philippines’ people and their lifestyle.

American vaulter Matt Ludwig expected to be mesmerized by his experience in the country. He had a long to-do list, other than the pole vault event. A part of his list was nature hikes and a hunt for good street food.

Before he visited the Philippines, he had already suspected that the country would be “the most beautiful place [he had] ever been. A tropical paradise that is inviting, relaxing, and exciting!”

“I hoped to walk around the city centers, enjoy some street food, and immerse myself in the culture. I also wanted to go on hikes and excursions in nature, and check out the local wildlife. I suspected that this experience in the Philippines would leave a lasting impression and make me want to keep coming back for the rest of my life,” he added.

The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge marked the first time that international pole vaulters came together in the Philippines for a globally sanctioned event. It was the fulfillment of a long-time dream of Filipino athletics star EJ Obiena to host an international pole vault competition in the Philippines, with the support of the Ayala Foundation and the MVP Sports Foundation.

For more information about the event, visit https://worldpolevaultph.com/.

* * *

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge.