A good start for the two-time Olympian.
On Sunday, June 14, Filipino national pole vaulter EJ Obiena competed at the Flight Circus Düsseldorf in Germany.
The said stint kicked off his 2026 outdoor season and marked his return to the field after a break following his participation in the World Athletics Indoor Championship, where he finished in ninth place.
During which, athlete shared that he “battled through some swirling winds,” though he was happy with how it went out.
The 30-year-old pole vaulter was able to clear both the 5.50 and 5.65 meter-high bars, but was had to jump twice to clear the next height at 5.74 meters.
He also made an attempt to do thr 5.83 meters, which was the height cleared by his competitor Chris Nilsen from the United States, as well as an even higher bar at 5.9 meters. Although, he was not able make it past those.
Ultimately, Obiena settled for silver, while Nilsen was able to win the gold medal. Seifeldin Abdelsalam of Qatar, meanwhile, bagged the bronze with his 5.65 meters clearance.
In his post on Instagram, EJ also shared how happy he was to see Filipinos in Germany supporting him during his contest.
“What a surprise to have Filipinos screaming in the crowd. Maraming maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay,” he said.