EJ Obiena returned to action after competing in the Tokyo Olympics and finished tied for fifth place in the Athletissima Wanda Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland Thursday (Friday in Manila).
Obiena cleared 5.52 meters in his first attempt to tie with Ethan Cormont of France and KC Lightfoot of the United States.
He attempted 5.62m but was unsuccessful.
Chris Nilsen, who won silver in the Tokyo Games, ruled the event by clearing 5.82m in his first attempt while fellow American Sam Kendricks came in second with the height but at second attempt.
Russian Timur Morgunov settled for third with 5.72m.
Current world record holder and Olympic champion Armand Duplantis finished fourth with 5.62m – a far cry from his golden Olympic performance of 6.02m.
Meanwhile, Piotr Lisek came in eighth with 5.42m, followed by France’s Valentin Lavillenie (5.42m) and older brother Renaud Lavillenie (5.32m).
All competitors submitted records below their season-bests as they try to regain their composure from the grueling Olympics competition.