EJ Obiena finally captured the gold medal at the ISTAF Berlin in Germany on Sunday (Monday in Manila).

The Filipino pole vaulter cleared 5.92 meters in his final attempt to clinch the title, beating Sondre Guttormsen of Norway and KC Lightfoot of the United States, who bagged silver and bronze, respectively. 

”Finally got this outdoor trophy after so many years of coming up short,” Obiena said in a statement. 

It was a remarkable display of resilience for Obiena, who finished in 10th place in another competition in Switzerland just a few days before heading for Germany.

”Happy for today, and we go back at it in 3 days,” the world no. 2 said.