Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena opened his 2026 outdoor campaign with a silver-medal finish after clearing 5.74 meters at the EUROWINGS Flight Circus on Sunday, June 14.

Obiena secured second place in the men’s pole vault event behind American vaulter Christopher Nilsen, who took the gold medal with a clearance of 5.83 meters. Qatar’s Seifeldin Adelsalam earned the bronze with a 5.65-meter jump.

The competition, held in Düsseldorf, marked a solid start for Obiena as he begins his outdoor season build-up.

In a social media post, Obiena said he was pleased with his 2026 season opener despite contending with swirling winds. He also thanked Filipino supporters who were in the crowd for their backing.

“What a surprise to have Filipinos screaming in the crowd. Maraming maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay,” the athlete remarked in his post.

Obiena’s next competition will be the Wanda Diamond League opener in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for June 19.