Filipino pole vault ace EJ Obiena delivered a season-best performance of 5.81 meters at the Fly Athens 2026 Street Pole Vault, signaling a step forward in his campaign despite finishing outside the podium.

Competing in front of the historic Panathenaic Stadium, Obiena said he was pleased to return to the 5.80-meter range after months of searching for form.

It marked the first time the Filipino Olympian cleared a height above 5.80 meters since the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge held in Makati City in September 2025.

Obiena shared his reaction on social media, expressing both relief and appreciation for the meet.

“I have not seen you 5.80m bar in awhile… I have missed you,” he wrote. “5.81m here in Fly Athens. A truly wonderful competition… Vaulting in front of the Panathenaic Stadium is a day to remember.”

He added that the result was “a step in the right direction” as he builds momentum for upcoming competitions.

Earlier, Obiena sustained a strong run in Europe, capturing back-to-back gold medals, including topping the Raiffeisen Austrian Open in Eisenstadt with a stadium-record clearance of 5.75 meters.

While he fell short of a podium finish in Athens, Obiena’s performance underscored renewed confidence as he continues his preparations on the international circuit.