TAIPEH/MANILA – Filipino pole vault star Ernest J Obiena showcased his world-class talent once again, clinching gold at the 2025 Taiwan International Pole Vault Championships despite battling challenging weather conditions. 

The world No. 4 vaulter soared past the competition, clearing 5.50 meters to take the top spot on the podium.

Obiena faced an unexpected obstacle mid-competition — thick fog that blanketed the stadium, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding event. 

Visibility was significantly reduced, forcing athletes to rely on instinct and experience to execute their vaults with precision.

“During several of the many flights I have taken to compete in pole vault around the world, I have indeed encountered fog warnings at the airport where you can see very little,” he wrote on his Instagram.

“Well, I had a new experience a few days ago. I had my first fog warning in the midst of a pole vault competition, in Taiwan. Here (3rd slide) is what the approach looked like heading towards the vault. You just disappear. Talk about the proverbial ‘Leap of faith!'”

Despite the adverse conditions, Obiena maintained his composure, steadily progressing through the competition before clearing 5.50 meters.