Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena secured his first gold medal of the 2025 indoor season after dominating the Meeting Metz Moselle Athletor in France.
Obiena, a two-time Olympian, bounced back from a silver finish at the International Jump Meeting Cottbus in Germany by clearing 5.70 meters in the eight-man competition. His performance marked his season’s best so far.
Dutch pole vaulter Menno Vloon also cleared 5.70m but failed in the tiebreaker attempt, settling for second place. Meanwhile, Christopher Nilsen of the United States claimed third after clearing 5.60m.
“Merci Beaucoup Metz!!!” Obiena wrote on social media, expressing gratitude and celebrating his victory. He added that he would take a well-earned rest before resuming competition.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, Obiena attempted to surpass 5.85m but was unsuccessful in all his attempts. He is set to compete again soon at the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin.
