Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena captured the top spot at the World Pole Vault Challenge on September 21, 2025, at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, thrilling the home crowd as he fulfilled his long-time dream of hosting a world-class competition in the Philippines.
Read more about how Obiena fulfilled his dream to host a world-class pole vault event in the Philippines here.
The world No. 7 Obiena cleared 5.80 meters on his second attempt to beat France’s Thibaut Collet, who managed the same height only on his third try. Poland’s Piotr Lisek rounded out the podium with 5.60m.
“Things were running in my head, I was like, oh god … if I lose, what face would I have? That pushed me to the edge and really gave my best performance of the year, I would say. This is one of the best jumps I had this year,” Rappler quoted Obiena saying after his victory.
Watch the jump that won Obiena the gold:
Obiena credited the competition and the Filipino fans for pushing him to excel. “I enjoyed really the pressure that he brought. This is the best vault I’ve had in this year so I’m happy for the pressure the crowd brought. I’m thankful that I’m able to pull it off.”
The Asian record holder called the home win the perfect end to a roller-coaster season, following his early exit at the World Athletics Championships just a week earlier. “I think it couldn’t have been a better ending to my season truly,” Obiena said. “Hopefully, everybody who organized this is happy and we’ll get a part two, part three, maybe have this every year.”
Obiena also regained championship form after injury with his third straight Asian Athletics title, as reported in this story.
The World Pole Vault Challenge, officially sanctioned as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour-Bronze, brought together top-ranked athletes from across the globe, including Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, the Netherlands’ Menno Vloon, USA’s Austin Miller and Matt Ludwig, and Germany’s Oleg Zernikel.
Filipino vaulter Hockett Delos Santos also competed after qualifying with a 5.00m performance at the National Pole Vault Challenge, though he bowed out early with a no mark.
Swipe through this collage of EJ Obiena’s victories around the world — and see how it all led to his dream win in front of his home crowd:
The 2025 World Pole Vault Challenge, supported by the Ayala Foundation and MVP Sports Foundation, marked the first time the Philippines hosted an internationally sanctioned pole vault competition with global ranking points at stake.
Watch EJ Obiena’s winning performances at the World Pole Vault Challenge as he soars to victory before the home crowd:
Celebrate more milestones of Filipino athletes raising the flag in world sports by reading our latest stories on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.
Join our vibrant Good News Pilipinas community, where we celebrate the achievements of the Philippines and Filipinos worldwide! As the Philippines’ No. 1 Website for Good News and proud winners of the Gold Anvil Award and Lasallian Scholarum Award, we invite you to connect, engage, and share your inspiring stories with us. Together, let’s shine a spotlight on the stories that make every Filipino proud. Follow us on all platforms through our LinkTree. Let’s spread good news and positivity, one story at a time!
