EJ Obiena among four Filipinos qualified to 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Olympian pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is gearing up for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland from March 20 to 22, determined to make his mark after missing last year’s qualifying cut.

“Last year I missed, didn’t make the cut, grade or whatever is synonymous with ‘failing to qualify.’ That was a tough shake. I said I would bounce back time and time again but it didn’t exactly work out that outdoor season,” Obiena wrote on social media.

“Still today, it doesn’t feel like I’m anywhere near where I want to be or believe I can be. Making this World Indoors championship, one of the twelve vaulters, is a small step on a long road back. Brick by brick, inch by inch we build and if I must crawl, so be it.”

Alongside Obiena, three other Filipinos secured qualification. John Cabang Tolentino in the 60-meter hurdles, while Jessica Laurance and Zion Corrales Nelson in the 60-meter dash.

The two-time Olympian, Obiena recently showcased his form with a season-best 5.78m clearance at the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin on March 6. Needing just one attempt to secure the top spot, Obiena also challenged himself at 5.83m but fell short yet still took home the gold. 

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Four Filipino athletes have qualified for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze set for later this month, according to PATAFA.

Leading the pack is Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who recently won gold at the ISTAF Indoor Berlin. (: PATAFA) | via… pic.twitter.com/2qNh7jSMeK

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 12, 2026

This milestone signals a critical step in his comeback, as he edges closer to breaking personal and national records on the indoor stage.

His consistent performances this season indicate he’s not just chasing past results—he’s setting the stage for a strategic, calculated approach to vaulting under high-pressure conditions.

Beyond the numbers, Obiena’s journey reflects mental resilience as much as physical skill. After last year’s disappointment, he’s focused on refining technique, experimenting with different pole stiffness, and optimizing his approach to maintain consistency under indoor conditions—a nuance often overlooked but critical for elite pole vaulters. 

Another fresh perspective centers on Obiena’s role as a trailblazer for Philippine athletics. With the country yet to win a medal in the World Athletics Indoor Championships, his performance carries national significance. 

EJ Obiena’s redemption arc is set to unfold in Poland, with fans and fellow athletes alike watching to see if the 30-year-old can translate his season-best form into a breakthrough performance at the World Indoor Championships.

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