Manila, Philippines, August 18, 2026: Asian Games men’s pole vault champion Ernest “EJ” Obiena cleared a meet record and season’s best 5.91 metres to win the Golden Sand title in Miedzyzdroje, Poland on Monday, August 17.
The 30-year-old Filipino continued his impressive form in Europe this season as he prepares to defend the Asian Games crown he won at Hangzhou 2022 in Nagoya next month.
The Philippine Olympic Committee celebrated his latest title with a social media post headlined “Soaring to New Heights”.
The post read: “World-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena - Ernest Obiena is back in dominant form, clearing a massive 5.91 meters to capture the gold medal at the Golden Sand meet in Międzyzdroje, Poland.
“Taking it step by step, the Filipino Olympian not only secured the top spot on the podium but also shattered the tournament's meet record with his incredible clearance.
“Embracing the breakthrough, Obiena expressed his gratitude for the host city and his relief at breaking the 5.90m barrier once again.”
Obiena, a two-time Olympian at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, commented: "Happy to finally be back over a 90 bar."
The POC concluded: “The Philippine Olympic Committee celebrates this phenomenal milestone. Keep flying high, EJ! The entire nation is behind you.”
Obiena has a personal best of 6.0 metres – a national record and Asian record. The Poland meet was part of the World Athletics Continental Tour.