EJ Obiena books World Championships berth, finishes 5th in Zurich

Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena competes in the men’s pole vault during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting, at the Letzigrund Stadium, in Zurich on August 27, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena settled for fifth place in the Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League on Friday, but secured his spot in the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

Obiena cleared 5.90 meters to book his ticket to the world championships next year.

The two-time Olympic pole vaulter also attempted 6 meters but failed to clear the height. He finished behind American Chris Nilsen, who also cleared 5.90m but placed higher on countback.

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Mondo Duplantis dominated the meet with a new record of 6.25m. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis made his career-best 6.20m to earn the silver, while Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen completed the podium after clearing 6.00m.

Obiena has already won eight golds this season. He is also set to compete and defend his title in the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya next month.