Simping over the Men’s Pole Vault finalists at the Tokyo Olympics? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Aside from exciting sports events and the country’s pride, there’s one reason why a lot of people tune in to the Olympics—the hotties.
There is no doubt that Olympic athletes are fit. However, there’s something about the Men’s Pole Vault finalists last Tuesday, Aug. 3, that caught the attention of netizens. With most of PH Twitter expressing their Pinoy pride for our representative EJ Obiena, many will agree that his fellow finalists are indeed simp-worthy.
Watching the men’s pole vault finals felt like watching a beauty pageant with all the good-looking athletes. It was hard to pay attention to them soaring into the sky because of how fine they are.
Curious where to stalk—or spot—some of the men’s pole vault finalists? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up their Instagram accounts to save you time and trouble. You’re welcome.
Armand Duplantis (Sweden)
Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis is a Swedish-American pole vaulter and one of the athletes frequently mentioned by netizens due to his charming smile and blue eyes. But don’t be fooled by his looks, he’s the current world indoor record holder with a height of 6.18 meters.
However, you need to chill with the fangirling since Duplantis is currently dating Swedish model Desiré Inglander.
Chris Nilsen (United States)
USA’s Chris Nilsen’s muscular figure and defined jawline reminded us of a superhero, especially when he leaped towards his Olympic silver medal.
But don’t slide into Nilsen’s DMs, since he has a girlfriend as well. Sorry, fangirls and fanboys!
Emmanouil Karalis (Greece)
Karalis captured the hearts of sports fans with his charming smile despite failing to win a gold medal. He said he remains grateful to have represented Greece in pole-vaulting after suffering from injuries.
Emmanouil Karalis holding that piece of paper saying "thank you mom and dad" after his last attempt made me so emotional ??❤❤ pic.twitter.com/v9eUrx1foa
— Suburban Girl (@ifekaolaedo) August 3, 2021
As if that wasn’t heart-fluttering enough, he even gave his parents a quick shout-out before he wrapped up his Olympics journey.
Oleg Zernikel (Germany)
Zernikel’s statuesque figure and striking features remind us of a model in a high-fashion magazine. This hunky pole vaulter is a well-known name in the sport after finishing fourth at the 2021 European Indoor Championships and winning a bronze medal at the 2014 World Junior Championships.
Ersu Sasma (Turkey)
Sasma’s killer charm and boy-next-door looks also caught the attention of sports fans as he leaped for a podium finish. Sasma currently holds a national record by jumping 5.80 meters at the 3rd Orhan Altan Cup in Ankara, Turkey in June 2021.
Thiago Braz (Brazil)
This Brazilian pole vaulter is a well-known name among sports fans since he won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Of course, you’re blind if you missed his impressive performance and good looks in Tokyo as well.
However, we have to stop you from sending a flirt text since Braz is already married to his non-celebrity partner.
KC Lightfoot (United States)
Lightfoot’s handsome boy-next-door looks remind you of a college senior you’ve been crushing on. This 21-year-old athlete currently holds the United States collegiate indoor pole vault record after clearing 6.00 m. Before competing at the Olympics, he participated in collegiate pole vaulting events.
EJ Obiena (Philippines)
Our very own EJ Obiena also caught the heart of netizens as he gunned for a gold medal. Aside from his good looks and trailblazing performance, netizens can’t help but pay attention to his adorable Spongebob and Patrick socks in the finals.
Which men’s pole vault finalist are you crushing on? Let us know in the comments.
Banner and thumbnail photos from @mondo_duplantis, @ersusasma, @manolo, and @olegz_pv on Instagram