EJ Obiena now at no. 3 in pole vault world ranking

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena has fallen to third place in the world rankings. 

In the latest update released by the World Athletics after the 2024 Paris Olympics, USA's Sam Kendricks claimed the world number 2 spot, which was previously held by Obiena since July 2023. 

Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis of Sweden still holds the first place in the world rankings.

Meanwhile, Greece's Emmanouil Karalis made a significant jump in the rankings, moving from eighth to fourth place following his bronze medal win.

According to WA ranking methods, an athlete's ranking is determined by their performance score, which consists of two primary components: results score and placing in competitions.

Obiena finished fourth in the men's pole vault at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He joined the rest of the Philippine Olympians in a series of events and celebrations including the Heroes’ Welcome ceremony held in Malacañang last Aug. 13, a parade, and a homecoming event hosted by his Alma mater Chiang Kai Shek College.

In his Facebook post on Tuesday, the pole vaulter shared his realizations after the Games.

“The measure of a man or woman is NOT a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time. I finished 4th in Paris, close but not good enough,” said Obiena.

“I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career. I commit to everyone now, I am back in training, I am back in the game, and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud.”

He also said Filipinos will see more of him on the international stage.

“I commit to everyone now. I am back in training, I am back in the game and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud,” Obiena said. “You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine Flag raised and raised on a global stage. Let’s get on with it!"

Obiena is also set to gather international pole vaulters in the Philippines this September for a pole vault event.