Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena continued his dominant 2026 campaign, capturing his seventh gold medal of the season after topping the Stabhochsprung Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany.

Obiena cleared 5.83 meters to secure the top spot in the competition, marking his fourth outdoor gold this year.

The victory came on the heels of another gold-medal performance by Obiena at the Halberstädter Höhenflug – International Pole Vault Meeting in Halberstadt, also in Germany, further highlighting his strong run on the international circuit.

Despite his latest triumph, Obiena said the Jockgrim meet presented challenges.

“Was far from smooth competition and some struggles during warm up and earlier bars but happy to scrape an 80 bar. We continue to work and now a few trainings in before we go again,” Obiena said in a social media post.

Obiena has been in top form throughout the season, consistently finishing atop international meets as he builds momentum heading into major competitions.

He remains one of the Philippines’ brightest medal hopes on the global athletics stage.