UMVA has learned that Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena experienced a dramatic turnaround after a pivotal coaching change and a move to a new training camp.
Just days after bringing on Polish coach Marcin Szczepanski and shifting his base from Italy to Athens, Obiena emerged with a renewed spark that could reshape his career.
The transformation was on full display at the Eurowings Flight Circus in Dusseldorf, where he vaulted a clean 5.74 meters to secure the silver medal.
His rivals included Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen, who edged him out with a 5.83-meter clearance, and Qatari athlete Seifeldin Abdesalam, who claimed bronze with 5.65 meters.
This performance ignited Obiena’s outdoor season, propelling him back toward the top tier of world rankings after a recent dip to 13th place.
His last outdoor outing, held in March at the World Indoor Championships in Torun, saw him finish ninth with a 5.70-meter jump.
“Battled through some swirling winds but overall happy how it all went,” he reflected, hinting at the resilience that fueled his comeback.
The next challenge looms in Doha, where the Diamond League promises tougher competition and a chance to cement his resurgence.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Obiena’s renewed confidence and strategic coaching partnership could signal a return to his former peak, inspiring fans and peers alike.
