Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena formally starts his campaign in the indoor season when he competes in the International Jump Meeting Cottbus in Germany on Thursday.

Action starts at 1 a.m. (Manila time) with the Filipino pole vault sensation thrilled to spring back to action after months of training and recovery.

After finishing in fourth place in the Paris Olympics last August, the 29-year-old Obiena opted to skip the rest of the competitions in the outdoor season, including the prestigious Diamond League, to prioritize healing his back injury.

The Asian Games gold medalist got cleared last October and focused on training for the indoor season, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China from 21 to 23 March.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE that he is optimistic Obiena will be able to start the year on a high note.

“I’m happy for him. He has been working and recovering for the year so I hope he has a healthy season,” Tanhueco said, adding that they are optimistic that Obiena will soon regain his bearings.

“We’re in communication with him. Knowing EJ, he’s a fighter so I know he will have a good year.”

Also competing in the competition are Ben Broeders of Belgium, Piotr Lisek of Poland, Valters Kreiss of Latvia, and home bets Torben Blech and Bo Kanda Lita Baehre.

Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden has yet to confirm his participation in the prestigious event.