PHILIPPINES — Filipino pole vault star Ernest John "EJ" Obiena captured the gold medal at the ISTAF Berlin meet on Monday, August 31. He cleared 5.82 meters at the Olympiastadion in Germany, completing a sweep of this year's ISTAF competitions.
A Golden Sweep in Berlin
Obiena's victory in the outdoor meet followed his earlier triumph in the indoor competition last March. This marks his fourth ISTAF Berlin gold overall, adding to wins from the 2023 outdoor and 2024 indoor editions. The 30-year-old has now collected nine gold medals in 2026, continuing an impressive resurgence after a challenging 2025 season.
The athlete expressed his joy and gratitude on Instagram. "5.82m here in Berlin for the gold," he wrote, sharing a video of his winning clearance. He thanked the organizers and expressed hope of returning next year.
A Resurgent Season
Obiena's performance this year signals a strong comeback. After a lackluster 2025 season, he has rebuilt his form and consistency. His nine gold medals across various competitions demonstrate his return to elite-level pole vaulting.
He had recently qualified for next year's World Championships with a 5.90m clearance at the Zurich Diamond League on August 27. This qualification came just days before his Berlin victory, underscoring his sharp upward trajectory.
Facing New Challenges
Despite the win, Obiena admitted the victory felt bittersweet. "To be honest, it did not feel so good to win here," he said in an interview transcript. He explained that track events interfered with the pole vault run-up, leaving him and other vaulters unhappy. "In previous years they always waited for us."
The athlete also revealed a significant change in his setup. "This season was a bit tricky for me because I changed coaches in June," he shared. He is now working with the father of fellow vaulter Emmanouil Karalis and has relocated to Athens. "I am getting into my jumping right now," he added, suggesting ongoing adjustments.
Looking Ahead to Major Meets
Obiena attempted to clear 5.97 meters to qualify for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this September. However, he missed all three attempts. "I missed the 5.97 so I am not going to the Ultimate championship," he confirmed.
Despite this setback, his focus remains forward. He plans to compete in Brussels and is actively seeking another competition before the Asian Games on September 20. The Asian Games remains a major target for the Filipino athlete.
An Honest Champion
Belgian Ylio Philtjens finished second with 5.72m, while Frenchman Robin Emig took third via countback. Despite the competition, Obiena's honesty about his feelings and his circumstances reveals his integrity as an athlete. He continues to push forward with determination and transparency.
