Thomasian pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena continued his strong showing as he snagged gold in the St. Wendel City Jump in Sankt Wendel, Germany, early Thursday morning (Manila time).

The 26-year-old Olympic athlete cleared 5.86 meters as he now holds the tournament record.

The world's third-best pole vaulter outlasted fellow Olympian Menno Vloon of the Netherlands and French bet Anthony Ammirati.

Vloon bagged silver via the countback rule as he and Ammirati both cleared 5.81 meters.

This is Obiena's third gold medal and fourth consecutive podium finish in nine days as he snagged gold in the True Athletes Classic and Stabhochspringmeeting, all held in Germany as well. He came third in the Athletissima tilt in Laussane, Switzerland.

Obiena eyes to continue his gold streak in the Memorial van Damme meet in Belgium, this coming Saturday, September 3 (Manila time).The University allowed the voluntary use of face masks in outdoor areas inside the campus on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

In a memorandum issued by UST's Secretary-General, the wearing of face masks may be optional in non-crowded areas with good ventilation and where physical distancing is possible.

However, unvaccinated individuals and those who are with comorbidities are strongly urged to keep their masks even outdoors.

The use of face masks are still required at indoor facilities.

Minimum public health standards will still be observed with this new update in the University's health protocols .

The new memorandum was issued after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order №3 on Monday, Sept. 12, which made the wearing of face masks outdoors optional.