TWO-TIME Olympian EJ Obiena clinched his first gold since returning to competition this year, ruling the Meeting Metz Moselle Athelor in Metz, France, on Saturday, Feb. 8 (Manila time).
The former UST Trackster cleared 5.70 meters on his first try to secure first place and record his season best.
Menno Vloon of the Netherlands also leaped 5.70 meters but finished second via countback. USA’s Christopher Nilsen copped bronze after jumping 5.60 meters.
After skipping the opening heights of 5.20 and 5.35 meters, Obiena cruised past the 5.50-meter bar.
He then cleared 5.60 meters on his first attempt to finish ahead of Vloon, who needed three tries to clear the height.
Nielsen also cleared the height on his first attempt but failed in the 5.70-meter bar, resulting in his bronze finish.
Obiena, currently ranked No. 4 worldwide, attempted to clear 5.85 meters but failed in all three attempts.
This is Obiena’s second competition in the 2025 season. In January, he snagged silver at the International Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany.
Obiena will next compete in the 2025 World Athletics ISTAF Indoor competition in Berlin, Germany scheduled from Feb. 14 to 15. He won gold in the same competition in 2023 after clearing 5.92 meters.
