Olympian and national athlete EJ Obiena claimed gold at the inaugural Philippine Pole Vault Challenge organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) in Vermosa, Cavite.
Obiena soared to a season-best 5.80 meters, making it his highest jump of the year despite rainy conditions that tested all competitors.
The 28-year-old pole vaulter bounced back from recent disappointments after failing to reach the podium in both the Xiamen and Shanghai legs of the Diamond League earlier this year.
Trailing behind Obiena was Yan-Han Wu of Chinese Taipei, who registered 5.15 meters, securing second place. Filipino vaulter Hokett Delos Santos, a silver medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, also cleared 5.15 meters to complete the podium.
The event marked a significant moment for Philippine athletics, being the first official pole vault competition of its kind hosted by PATAFA. Obiena’s win reaffirmed his position as the country’s top pole vaulter and a leading figure in Southeast Asian track and field.
Despite the weather, the event drew solid support from local fans and the athletic community, celebrating Obiena’s dominance on home soil.
