EJ Obiena clears 5.81m, settles for sixth in Lausanne

The Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena competes in the men’s Pole Vault during the World Athletics Diamond League athletics meeting at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, on August 20, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena cleared 5.81 meters in the Wanda Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, but it was only enough for sixth place.

Obiena tried to go higher at 5.91 meters but failed all three attempts, ending his bid for a podium finish.

“5.81m here in Lausanne🇨🇭 We go again in Silesia on Sunday,” Obiena posted on his Instagram account.

A post shared by Ernest Obiena (@ernestobienapv)

As expected, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis took gold after clearing a historic 6.21 meters. His personal best in the Diamond League is 6.15 meters.

Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis won silver after clearing 6.00 meters, while Australia’s Kurtis Marschall completed the podium at 5.91 meters.

Next up for the Filipino pole vaulter is the Silesia leg of the Diamond League on Sunday in Poland.

Obiena has recently been on a resurgence, bagging his eighth gold of the year last Monday at the Golden Sand 2026 with a season-best of 5.91m.

He is also slated to compete for the Philippines in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September.