World No. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena overcame thick fog during the 2025 Taiwan International Pole Vault Championships, clearing 5.50 meters to secure the gold medal in the men’s event.
Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena showcased his world-class talent once again, clinching gold at the 2025 Taiwan International Pole Vault Championships despite battling challenging weather conditions.
The world No. 4 vaulter soared past the competition, clearing 5.50 meters to take the top spot on the podium.
Obiena faced an unexpected obstacle mid-competition—thick fog that blanketed the stadium, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding event.
Visibility was significantly reduced, forcing athletes to rely on instinct and experience to execute their vaults with precision.
"During several of the many flights I have taken to compete in pole vault around the world, I have indeed encountered fog warnings at the airport where you can see very little,” he wrote on his Instagram.
“Well, I had a new experience a few days ago. I had my first fog warning in the midst of a pole vault competition, in Taiwan. Here (3rd slide) is what the approach looked like heading towards the vault. You just disappear. Talk about the proverbial 'Leap of faith!'"
Despite the adverse conditions, Obiena maintained his composure, steadily progressing through the competition before clearing 5.50 meters.
His performance not only secured him the gold medal but also reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s best pole vaulters.
The Filipino Olympian’s triumph in Taiwan adds another accolade to his growing list of achievements as he continues his journey.
His consistent success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that perseverance and resilience can overcome even the most unpredictable challenges.
“We can’t always have sunny skies and perfect weather conditions,” Obiena said.
“We have to persevere through all kinds of adversity,” he added.
As he vaults toward greater heights, EJ Obiena continues to inspire not only with his athletic prowess but also with his unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Read the whole post here: