Obiena Captures Gold at Historic Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge

Sports | Pole Vault Posted on 2025-09-22 16:15:00

MANILA – Filipino pole vault star Ernest John "EJ" Obiena emerged victorious in the inaugural Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge held Sunday at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City.

Obiena, ranked world No. 7, cleared 5.80 meters on his second attempt to secure the gold medal. France’s Thibaut Collet (No. 12) also managed 5.80m but on his third try, settling for silver, while Poland’s Piotr Lisek (No. 15) took bronze with 5.60m.

American Matt Ludwig and Turkey’s Ersu Sasma (No. 5) both registered 5.45m for joint fourth, while American Austin Miller (No. 14) and Germany’s Oleg Zernikel (No. 16) followed with identical 5.30m. Dutch Menno Vloon (No. 6) and Filipino Hockett Delos Santos recorded “No Mark,” while Belgian Ben Broaders did not start.

Delos Santos earned his slot after clearing 5.00m in the National Pole Vault Challenge a day earlier.

The event marked the first time world-class pole vaulters gathered in the Philippines for a globally sanctioned meet, with all athletes earning ranking points.

For Obiena, the competition was the realization of his long-time dream to host an international pole vault event in the country, made possible through the support of Ayala Foundation and MVP Sports Foundation.

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