EJ Obiena Returns with Bronze at World Athletics Continental Tour in China

Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena made a notable comeback on Sunday by clinching the bronze medal at the World Athletics Continental Tour event in China, his first international competition since July 19. Obiena cleared a height of 5.65 meters to finish third behind gold medalist Tao Zhong of China and silver medalist Cole Walsh from the United States.

The 23-year-old Zhong, competing on home soil, achieved a personal best of 5.75 meters to claim the top spot. American athlete Walsh matched this height with a season-best performance but received silver due to countback rules.

Obiena, 29, strategically passed the initial height of 5.35 meters, successfully vaulted 5.50 meters on his second try, and cleared 5.65 meters on his first attempt. Despite efforts to clear 5.75 and 5.85 meters, he was unable to surpass these heights, settling for third place.

This competition signals the beginning of an intense schedule for Obiena, who is set to participate in two more major events this month. Notably, he will host the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati, featuring an international roster that includes Menno Vloon, Austin Miller, Matt Ludwig, Ersu Sasma, Thibaut Collet, Ben Broeders, Piotr Lisek, and Oleg Zernikel.

Obiena's return to form continues to energize Filipino athletics as he prepares for the upcoming competitions ahead.