EJ Obiena slips to no. 3 in world rankings

Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena went down to no. 3 in the rankings released by World Athletics on August 13.

The update was released just days after the 2024 Paris Olympics where Obiena finished fourth in the pole vault finals.

Obiena became the world no. 2 back in July 2023.

Sweden's Mondo Duplantis retained his spot on the top of the rankings, while American Sam Kendricks took the second spot. Duplantis and Kendricks also won the gold and silver medals, respectively.

Paris bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis of Greece jumped from no. 8 last July to no. 4.

Obiena previously said he wants to maintain his world rankings.

The Filipino pole vaulter also said he is "back in the game" and is "going to attack the rest of the season."

Obiena recently stopped by the Philippines for a series of events, including a Malacañan Palace ceremony for the Olympians, a homecoming to his alma mater Chiang Kai Shek College, and a visit to the Manila City Hall where he was awarded a P500,000 cash incentive.

Obiena is also involved in bringing international pole vaulters to the country for the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge on September 20.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News