Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena started his 2025 season with a high note as he captured his first gold medal of the year at the Meeting Metz Moselle Athletor in France on February 8.
Obiena recorded a season’s best 5.70 meters in his first attempt, besting a strong field which included Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Christopher Nilsen of USA.
Dutch pole vaulter Menno Vloon finished second clearing 5.70 meters after many attempts while Nilsen claimed bronze with a best clearance of 5.60 meters.
Obiena’s recent victory marks his first Gold in eight months, following a second-place finish at the International Jump Meeting Cottbus in Germany in January.
However, the two-time Filipino Olympian failed to defend his title at the ISTAF indoor tournament on the following day, February 9, in Germany.
Obiena settled for 7th place, registering a height of 5.55 meters.
“Not how I wanted to go. Made one bar and sums up the whole competition. Taking the positives and the lessons to the next one,” the Filipino pole vaulter captioned on his Instagram post.
Despite the setback in Germany, Obiena’s triumph in Metz serves as a strong testament to his skill and determination.
His early-season gold medal signals a promising year ahead with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.
He remains a formidable contender, inspiring Filipino athletes and proving that resilience and perseverance pave the way to success.
