EJ Obiena kicks off indoor season with silver medal in Germany tilt

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26)— Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena opened his 2023 indoor season on a high note after snatching silver at the Internationales Springer-Meeting held in Cottbus, Germany on Thursday (Manila time).

The Olympian cleared 5.77 meters en route to the podium finish— falling behind USA’s Sam Kendricks, who bagged the gold with 5.82 meters.

Obiena tried to tie the score, but fell short and hit the bar on his final attempt.

Obiena made history in 2022 after capturing the Philippines’ first ever medal in the World Athletics Championship — taking home the bronze while also shattering the Asian record.

The pole vaulter also leapt to a career-high No. 3 in the world rankings last year.