FILIPINO pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena claimed a gold medal at the 6th Irena Szewinska Memorial in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Friday (Manila time) as he steps up preparations for the Paris Olympics in July.

Obiena posted a personal season-best vault of 5.97 meters (m) in just one try to rule the competition.

Coming off a three-week break, Obiena tried to establish a new personal and national record, but he could not clear 6.02 m in three attempts.

MISUNDERSTOOD Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (center) holds a press conference at the New Executive Building in Malacañang on June 21, 2024, regarding the latest clash between Philippine and Chinese vessels at Ayungin Shoal. In a statement, Bersamin said the encounter where several Philippine Navy personnel were injured, including one who lost his finger, was a 'misunderstanding.' PHOTO BY KJ ROSALES/PPA POOL

Still, the 5.97 m is the second-highest vault since posting an Asian record of 6.0 m twice. It is also his second gold and third podium finish in his fifth tournament this outdoor season.

Greek Emmanouil Karalis bagged the silver with a personal-best 5.92 m, while home bet Piotr Lisek took bronze with 5.75 m.

Obiena started at 5.55 m and 5.75 m, which he both surpassed in just one try before needing a second attempt at 5.82.

The 28-year-old then aced 5.87 m in his first try before clearing 5.97 for the gold.

Obiena is the lone qualifier from the Philippine athletics team for the Paris Games, which starts on July 26.

Hurdlers John Cabang, Lauren Hoffman, Robyn Brown and sprinter Kristina Knott, however, are on track to join Obiena in Paris.

Cabang is ranked 28th in the men's 100-m hurdles Olympic rankings, where the top 40 will advance to the Olympics.

Hoffman is 35th and Brown is 39th in the women's 400-m hurdles, where the top 40 will qualify for Paris.

Knott is 46th in the women's 200-m race where the top 48 will advance.

Cabang, Hoffman, Brown and Knott need to stay in the quota or break the Olympic standard entry times in their respective disciplines until June 30 when the qualification period ends.

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