EJ Obiena bounces back, wins gold at ISTAF Berlin

Philippines’ EJ Obiena reacts as he competes in the men’s pole vault final during the World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest on August 26, 2023. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines-EJ Obiena put up a strong performance to clinch the gold medal in the ISTAF Berlin at the Olympiastadion in Germany early Monday (Manila time).

The world’s No. 3 pole vaulter bounced back from finishing last in the Zurich leg of the Wanda Diamond League last week by clearing 5.92 meters for the top podium finish.

“It was a good day for the gold medal. Happy for today,” said Obiena on his social media.

Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen and KC Lightfoot of the United States failed to hurdle the same height after Obiena went over the bar on his third attempt.

EJ Obiena, of the Philippines, reacts after a successful attempt in the Men’s pole vault final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Guttormsen grabbed the silver medal on countback after clearing 5.82 with Lightfoot.

Prior to his Diamond League appearance in Zurich, the 27-year-old Olympian bagged a historic silver medal in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary after equalizing his Asian record at six meters.

American Chris Nilsen, who placed third in the world championships, missed the podium after clearing 5.72.