Obiena nabs bronze in Beijing to start busy September

Filipino icon EJ Obiena’s busy September is off to a great start after capturing a bronze medal in the World Athletics Continental Tour in Beijing, China.

The Olympian soared over 5.65 meters on his first try to topple home-favorite Huang Bokang via countback.

Obiena failed to clear 5.75 and 5.85 meters after easily passing 5.35 and 5.50 meters.

Tao Zhong, another hometown favorite, captured first place after clearing 5.75 meters, while the USA’s Cole Walsh also passed 5.75 meters for second place.

Obiena, after a two-month layoff, previously competed in the Madrid Meeting in July, where he finished with a silver medal after surpassing his season-best of 5.80 meters.

Obiena has yet to equal his personal best of 6.00 meters this year.

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Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena has made a successful return to action after securing the bronze medal in the World Athletics Continental Tour in China, clearing 5.65 meters behind the silver medalist from the USA, Cole Walsh, and host country’s Tao Zhong, who won gold. pic.twitter.com/JboFdnCCPn

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 8, 2025

The tournament serves as Obiena’s first stop in a busy September before competing in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The month will be capped off with the inaugural Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge that will be held at the Ayala Triangle in Makati.

Aside from Obiena, the hometown event will also be sponsored by Ayala Corp. and MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF).

 World No. 5 Ersu Sasama, 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships gold medalist Menno Vloon are set to compete in the tournament alongside other premier pole vaulters.

The World Athletics Championships will take place at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, from Sept. 13 to 21.

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