Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena continued his solid start to the 2026 indoor season by capturing a bronze medal at the INIT Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany, Philippine athletics fans learned Monday. Obiena cleared 5.70 meters to finish third in a strong field that featured top vaulters from around the world, extending his momentum from recent competitions.
Obiena’s podium finish came just days after he claimed gold at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tianjin, China, where he also cleared 5.70 meters to top the event and mark a significant early-season victory. At the Asian meet, he described that achievement as meaningful beyond medals, saying his title “means way more than just a win.”
In Karlsruhe, the gold medal went to Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen, who cleared 5.84 meters, while the silver was claimed by the United States’ Cole Walsh with a 5.78-meter mark. Obiena’s result underlined his consistency as he competes against some of the sport’s best at elite indoor stops.
The Filipino pole vaulter is building on a strong series of performances this season. Earlier in January, he opened the indoor campaign with a bronze at the ISTAF INDOOR meet in Düsseldorf, signaling competitive form as he returned to action following a decorated 2025 campaign.
Obiena’s efforts in Europe are part of his broader preparation ahead of key international events later in the year, including hopes of qualifying for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland. Clearing 5.90 meters remains a target as he aims to secure his berth.
Sports analysts and fans see Obiena’s string of podium finishes as a sign of his resilience and elite ability. His blend of experience, recent medal haul, and continued presence on major international stages reflects his status as one of the world’s top pole vaulters and a source of national pride for the Philippines.
