MANILA — Philippine pole vault ace Ernest John “EJ” Obiena launched his 2026 outdoor season on a strong note, capturing the silver medal at the Eurowings Flight Circus in Dusseldorf, Germany, after clearing 5.74 meters against a competitive international field on Monday (Philippine time).
The two-time Olympian needed only two attempts to clear 5.74m and secure second place, finishing behind American Chris Nilsen, who ruled the event with a winning mark of 5.83m.
Representing Qatar, Seifeldin Abdelsalam settled for third place after successfully clearing 5.65m.
Despite battling difficult weather conditions, Obiena expressed satisfaction with his opening performance as he begins another busy international campaign.
“A 5.74m for 2nd place here in Dusseldorf to start the 2026 outdoor season. Battled through some swirling winds but overall happy with how it all went,” Obiena wrote on Instagram.
The Filipino star also acknowledged the support of overseas Filipinos who cheered him on during the competition.
“PS: What a surprise to have Filipinos screaming in the crowd. Maraming maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay,” he added.
The silver-medal finish provides an encouraging start for Obiena, one of the world’s top-ranked pole vaulters and among the Philippines’ brightest hopes for international athletics medals.
Obiena will return to action on June 19 in Doha, Qatar, where he is set to compete in the season-opening leg of the prestigious Diamond League circuit.
With another major international season underway, the Filipino standout continues to build momentum as he targets strong performances against the world’s elite pole vaulters./PN
