Obiena sees medal streak end, finishes 9th in 2024 World Indoor Championships

Ernest John "EJ" Obiena failed to finish his indoor season on a high note after missing the podium in Glasgow, Scotland.

The reigning Asian Games champion landed ninth in the 11-man men's pole vault tournament during the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships on Sunday, March 3.

Up against the world's finest pole vaulters, including the sport's juggernaut Armand Duplantis of Sweden, Obiena cleared 5.65 meters – in two attempts – at best this time.

The 28-year-old Asian record holder for both indoor and outdoor competitions tried to overcome the 5.85-meter bar in two tries to no avail.

Obiena increased the elevation to 5.90m in a last-ditch effort, .03 meters short of his season best of 5.93m, but still couldn't conquer the height.

"Took my chances, but it did not work out. Clearing one bar in the whole competition and coming in 9th place," the Tondo, Manila native posted on social media.

"The reality of sports sometimes." he added.

The world number 2 came to the Scottish city with two gold medal victories in Memorial Josip Gasparac and ISTAF Berlin.

Duplantis, on the other hand, dominated the tiff after leaping past 6.05m to cop the gold. The Swedish talent attempted to reset his world record of 6.23m but faltered thrice at 6.24m.

The United States' Sam Kendricks hurdled 5.90m for the silver, while Greece's Emmanouil Karalis clinched the bronze by registering 5.86m.