Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena has dropped to third place in the latest World Athletics rankings, released on August 13. The ranking update comes shortly after Obiena’s fourth-place finish in the pole vault finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Obiena, who had previously risen to the world No. 2 spot in July 2023, now trails behind Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, who continues to hold the top position, and American Sam Kendricks, who has claimed the second spot. Duplantis and Kendricks secured the gold and silver medals in Paris, respectively.
Meanwhile, Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, who took home the bronze in Paris, jumped from No. 8 in July to No. 4 in the rankings.
Obiena had expressed his determination to maintain his high world ranking and affirmed his commitment to the sport, stating that he is “back in the game” and ready to “attack the rest of the season.”
Recently, Obiena visited the Philippines for several events, including a ceremony at Malacañan Palace, a homecoming to his alma mater Chiang Kai Shek College, and a visit to the Manila City Hall, where he received a P500,000 cash incentive. Obiena is also playing a pivotal role in organizing the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge, scheduled for September 20, where he aims to bring international pole vaulters to the country.