Manila, Philippines, June 17, 2026: Asian Games men’s pole vault champion EJ Obiena of the Philippines opened his 2026 outdoor season with a silver medal finish, clearing 5.74 meters on his second attempt at the Flight Circus Düsseldorf, Germany.
The two-time Olympian posted on Instagram: “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.”
Obiena also expressed his gratitude for the unexpected support he received from the stands.
“PS: What a surprise to have Filipinos screaming in the crowd. Thank you very much for your support.”
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, 30, 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.
For Obiena, all roads this year lead to Japan and the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, when he will be one of the major attractions in the track and field programme at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. He will be defending the title he won at Hangzhou 2022.