MANILA, Philippines– EJ Obiena, the world No. 4 pole vaulter and Asia’s top-ranked athlete in the event, claimed victory at the inaugural Patafa Pole Vault Challenge on Tuesday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, despite challenging weather conditions.
Obiena cleared 5.80 meters to win first place, marking his best performance of the season. The event, organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), drew local athletes and spectators who braved the rain to attend.
In a post on Instagram, Obiena expressed satisfaction with the result, acknowledging the impact of the rainy weather but noting that he was pleased to achieve a season best on home soil.
The competition was part of PATAFA’s efforts to promote and develop pole vaulting in the Philippines.
