Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena opened his 2026 outdoor season with a silver medal finish, clearing 5.74 meters on his second attempt at the Flight Circus Düsseldorf on Sunday.
“5.74m for 2nd place here in Dusseldorf to start the 2026 outdoor season. Battled through some swirling winds but overall happy with how it all went,” the Filipino pole vaulter wrote on Instagram.
Obiena also expressed gratitude for the unexpected support he received from the stands.
“PS: What a surprise to have Filipinos screaming in the crowd. Maraming maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay,” he added.
Taking the top spot was American Chris Nilsen, who cleared 5.83 meters on a single attempt.
Qatar’s Seifeldin Abdelsalam finished third with a 5.65-meter mark, having failed all three of his attempts at 5.74 meters.
With Düsseldorf behind him, Obiena is now setting his sights on a major stage.
“Next stop Doha, Qatar on June 19 for the first Diamond League of the season,” he wrote.