Making his 2025 debut, Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena picked up a silver medal in the International Jump Meeting Cottbus in Germany.

Obiena, 29, hit 5.65 meters and beat home bet Bo Kanda Lita Baehre via countback.

The two-time Olympian tried to go for 5.75m but wasn’t able to clear the bar after three tries.

Meanwhile, Paris Summer Games silver Sam Kendricks of the United States bagged the gold after clearing 5.75m on his third try.

This is Obiena’s first competition since the Paris Games last August.

The Asian Games gold medalist opted to heal and recover for the remainder of 2024 after revealing he was competing with a back injury since April.

Now, Obiena is gearing up for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China from 21 to 23 May.

Obiena looks to improve from his ninth-place finish from last year in Glasgow, Scotland.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE they are ready to help out Obiena and his team in Italy.

“I hope he’ll have a healthy season. We’re in communication with him and all the help that we could give him but I wish him all the best and knowing EJ, he’s a fighter,” Tanhueco said.