Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena soared to victory at the 2026 ISTAF Indoor meet in Berlin, Germany, on Friday (Saturday in Manila), capturing the gold medal with a season-best clearance.

Obiena successfully cleared 5.78 meters on his first attempt, after a steady start that saw him conquer 5.60 meters in two tries.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen also reached 5.78 meters but had to settle for silver due to the count-back rule. Both athletes fell short at 5.83 meters.

Bronze honors were shared by the Netherlands’ Menno Loon and Germany’s Bo Kanda Lita Baehre, who each cleared 5.70 meters.

Celebrating his achievement on social media, Obiena wrote:

“Brick by brick 🧱 we build. Season’s best of 5.78m and a🥇here @istaf_indoor. Thanks for having me Berlin 🙏.”