Filipino pole vaulting sensation EJ Obiena has once again proven his power on the global stage, securing his first title of the 2025 indoor season at the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in Metz, France.
After settling for silver at the International Jump Meeting Cottbus 2025 in Germany just over a week ago, the two-time Olympian bounced back to clinch the gold medal in France by clearing an impressive 5.70 meters in the eight-man tournament.
The victory in Metz not only marks Obiena’s first major win of the year but also sets the tone for what could be a remarkable 2025 season. His performance was nothing short of spectacular as he navigated through the competition with precision and confidence.
“Merci Beaucoup Metz!!!” Obiena expressed in a social media post. “Will take the season’s best and a dub!!! Now, time to sleep and get some much-needed rest as we go back to it tomorrow!!!”
This triumph highlights Obiena’s resilience and determination, showing that he is in prime condition to take on bigger challenges as the season progresses.
Obiena dominated the event by successfully clearing 5.70 meters, outperforming the Netherlands’ Menno Vloon, who also reached the same height but lost in the tiebreaker. The United States’ Christopher Nilsen secured third place after clearing 5.60 meters.
The competition was intense, with some of the world's best pole vaulters pushing their limits. Obiena started strong, clearing 5.50 meters in his first attempt before moving on to 5.70 meters, which secured him the title. However, he attempted 5.85 meters but failed to clear the height, marking an area for potential improvement as the season unfolds.
This win follows Obiena’s runner-up finish in his season-opening event, the International Jump Meeting Cottbus 2025 in Germany, where he cleared 5.65 meters on January 29. While he fell short of the gold there, the experience clearly fueled his determination to bounce back in France.
Obiena’s recent performances reinforce his standing as one of the best pole vaulters in the world. Currently ranked No. 4 globally, he continues to be a beacon of excellence for the Philippines in international athletics. His ranking reflects years of hard work, disciplined training, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him one of the strongest contenders in the sport today.
Obiena’s rise in the pole vaulting world has been nothing short of inspiring. From overcoming financial struggles early in his career to earning a spot among the world’s elite, he has consistently pushed himself to new heights. His perseverance has paid off, with multiple podium finishes in prestigious tournaments, including the Asian Games, the Southeast Asian Games, and the World Athletics Championships.
One of his biggest achievements came in 2022 when he became the first Filipino to earn a medal in the World Athletics Championships, taking home a historic bronze. Since then, he has continued to improve his personal best, break records, and establish himself as a formidable force in pole vaulting.
His ability to compete and win against some of the best athletes globally speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. Obiena's training regimen, which includes rigorous strength and conditioning workouts, technical drills, and mental preparation, has been instrumental in his success.
With his first gold medal of the season secured, Ej Obiena is expected to continue competing in various indoor meets before transitioning to the outdoor season. His primary focus remains on further improving his vaulting heights and fine-tuning his technique ahead of major tournaments, including the 2025 World Athletics Championships and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
His recent performances suggest that he is on track for another stellar year. Fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating his next competitions, where he will aim to break new records and achieve even greater success.
Obiena has expressed his gratitude to his supporters, coaches, and the Filipino community for their unwavering encouragement. With his eyes set on bigger goals, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what he can achieve in pole vaulting.
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