The Philippines earned high marks from visiting athletes after staging the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, the first World Athletics-sanctioned street vault in Southeast Asia.

The two-day meet drew elite pole vaulters from eight countries to Ayala Triangle in Makati, where Filipino star EJ Obiena cleared 5.80 meters to win gold in front of a packed home crowd.

Praise from Europe’s best

France’s Thibaut Collet, who finished second, said the atmosphere rivaled the best competitions he had seen abroad. “In pole vault, we have a lot of competition in the streets around the world. This one was really impressive,” Collet said. “The crowd was amazing. It was beautiful and amazing.”

Poland’s Piotr Lisek, who took third, also lauded the organization. “This event was 100-percent professional, so I am glad to be here,” Lisek said.

Obiena’s win, Philippines’ showcase

Obiena said the turnout exceeded what he originally envisioned. “My dream was to have this on a much smaller scale,” Obiena said. “I think we gave a really good show. Hopefully, we’ll get part two and part three. Now we have these athletes to say how good the Philippines is.”

The event, backed by the Ayala Foundation and MVP Sports Foundation, was widely seen as a milestone that could position the country to host more international athletics competitions.