EJ Obiena opens 2026 with a podium finish in Düsseldorf

EJ Obiena wasted no time reminding the world that his season rarely starts quietly.

Launching his 2026 campaign on European soil, the Filipino pole vault ace claimed bronze at the ISTAF Indoor Düsseldorf on Sunday morning (Manila time), standing tall among an elite field at the PSD Bank Dome. 

It was a measured, confident opener — the kind that signals momentum rather than final form.

Obiena cleared 5.65 meters to secure his spot on the podium, staying in the gold medal hunt until his attempts at 5.70m came up short. 

The night ultimately belonged to Dutch vaulter Menno Vloon, who soared over 5.75 meters to take gold, while American Sam Kendricks settled for silver after clearing 5.70m.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

PODIUM FINISH FOR EJ

Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena clinched bronze at the 6th ISTAF Indoor Düsseldorf in Germany.

Menno Vloon from the Netherlands took home gold, while American Sam Kendricks bagged silver. (: ISTAF Indoor Düsseldorf website) pic.twitter.com/0fjMeodEzo

— Paige Javier (@PaigeJavier) January 25, 2026

While the top step narrowly escaped him, the result fit neatly into a familiar pattern for Obiena: consistency at the highest level.

 The two-time Olympian rolled into the new year carrying the confidence of a strong 2025 finish, where he defended his SEA Games pole vault title in Bangkok and dominated the World Pole Vault Challenge on home turf.

At 30 years old, Obiena continues to navigate the global elite with quiet resilience. Once ranked as high as world No. 2, he currently sits at No. 11, a position that belies his ability to contend on any given night — especially early in the season, when indoor meets often serve as measuring sticks rather than final verdicts.

If Düsseldorf was any indication, Obiena’s 2026 isn’t about easing in. It’s about setting the tone — one clearance at a time.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!