Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena delivered a strong performance, tying for third place in a prestigious Swiss pole vault competition early Thursday (Philippine time). Obiena successfully cleared 5.82 meters on his first attempt, sharing the third spot with Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen and Australia’s Kurtis Marschall.
The event, which featured 11 top competitors, saw Obiena start by clearing 5.62 meters, skipping 5.72 meters, and then clearing 5.82 meters on his first try. Despite his impressive efforts, he was unable to surpass 5.92 meters in three attempts.
World number one and reigning Paris Olympics gold medalist Mondo Duplantis of Sweden dominated the competition, setting a new meet record at 6.15 meters. American Sam Kendricks, the Paris silver medalist, secured second place with a 5.92-meter clearance.
This marks Obiena’s return to competition following his fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics. He is set to compete next in the Silesia leg on August 25.