EJ Obiena climbed to second place in the world rankings, his personal best.
The pride of Tondo, Manila eclipsed USA's Christopher Nilsen following an almost perfect 2023 season. Obiena has made it to the podium in all of the outdoor tournaments he's participated in, winning three including the recent Asian Athletics Championship where he reset the tournament record with a 5.91-meter vault. The Asian record holder cleared the elusive six-meter mark earlier in June.
World record holder, and arguably the best pole vaulter ever, Armand Duplantis remains on top of the food chain.
In a Facebook post, Obiena thanked everyone who helped him reach his personal best.
"This is not just my accomplishment alone, but everyone’s," he said.
"Maraming salamat Pilipinas sa pagkakataon na iwagayway ang iyong diwa. This dreamer dares to dream."
The newly minted world no. 2 will face a huge task at the Diamond League in Monaco tomorrow against Duplantis, Nilsen, world no. 4 Sam Kendricks, world no. 6 Bo Kanda Lita Baehre, world no. 7 Renaud Lavillenie, and ranked number 9 Kurtis Marschall.