EJ Obiena, the esteemed Filipino pole vaulter and Olympian, commenced his indoor pole vault season with a spectacular performance, securing the gold medal at the Memorial Josip Gasparac tournament in Croatia. Obiena’s outstanding leap of 5.83 meters not only earned him the top podium spot but also set a new meet record, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
The competition saw Portugal’s Pedro Buaro clinch the second place with a vault of 5.73 meters, while American athlete Olen Tray Oates rounded out the top three by clearing 5.61 meters. Obiena’s victory in Croatia marks a promising start to his indoor season, reflecting his readiness and ambition for the challenges ahead.
Looking forward, Obiena is set to participate in the ISTAF Indoor meet in Berlin, Germany, on February 23, followed by a prestigious appearance at the World Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, on March 3. These competitions serve as crucial steps in his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Obiena is among the four Filipino athletes already qualified, alongside notable figures such as gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan, and boxer Eumir Marcial.
This triumph in Croatia underscores Obiena’s status as a leading figure in athletics, following his recognition as the PSA Athlete of the Year and his continued commitment to representing the Philippines on the global stage.