The talented Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena won his first gold medal of the year at the Memorial Josip Gasparac indoor competition in Croatia with a fantastic performance.
Obiena successfully cleared the 5.83-meter mark, securing the top spot on the podium and marking an impressive start to his competitive year.
His remarkable feat overshadowed competitors like Portugal’s Pedro Buaro, who secured the second position with a height of 5.73 meters, and Olen Tray Oates of the United States, finishing at 5.61 meters.
Expressing his gratitude, Obiena stated, “Thank you for having us and creating such a fantastic atmosphere.”
This event marked Obiena’s return to competition since his triumphant gold medal win at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.
As the world’s second-ranked pole vaulter, Obiena is gearing up for the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for February 23. Following that, he will participate in the World Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, showcasing his prowess on the global stage.