Two-time Olympian EJ Obiena’s Diamond League return has been off to an uneven start, as the Filipino finished seventh at Silesia on Sunday evening. The legendary Mondo Duplantis won the tournament as the only competitor to clear 6.20 meters, while Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis bagged silver and bronze, respectively, after clearing 6.0 meters.
Obiena’s seventh-place finish in Poland follows his sixth-place ranking at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland just a couple of days ago. With it, he has now failed to land a podium finish in back-to-back competitions, halting his medal-clinching streak that included three straight gold medals at the Golden Sand 2026 in Międzyzdroje, Poland; at the Stabhochsprung Meeting in Germany; and at the inaugural International Pole Vault Meeting at Cathedral Square in Germany.
Silver Lining for Obiena
Despite missing the podium again, Obiena can take consolation in consistently clearing at least 5.80 meters. It is the seventh tournament in his last eight where he has reached that height, underscoring the level of consistency the 30-year-old has achieved this season.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Obiena’s string of strong performances has come after his bold decision to leave his training base in Italy in favor of Greece, where he now trains alongside Karalis. That move is proving career-defining, as the Filipino has cleared 5.81 meters, 5.85 meters, and 5.91 meters while winning multiple gold medals along the way.
So, while Obiena has fallen short of a podium in consecutive elite-level competitions, his ability to consistently clear high marks is proof that the pride of Tondo is regaining his groove.
For someone who endured setbacks due to injuries over the past couple of seasons, this steady climb is certainly an encouraging sign.
