How EJ Obiena is raising the bar for Philippine pole vaulting
EJ Obiena wants to help empower the next generation of Filipino athletes. Photo from ernestobienapv/Instagram
Olympian EJ Obiena has a bigger dream than hauling medals.
The Filipino pole vaulter is reaching beyond his achievements in international athletics to foster long-term growth in the sport back home.
In a recent Instagram post, Obiena shared that one of his biggest dreams—a dedicated pole vault facility in the Philippines—is finally coming to life.
“One of my biggest dreams is coming true!!!” he wrote, expressing excitement about the upcoming launch of a pole vault venue at the newly constructed Marcos Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
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Obiena said the facility is the beginning of a movement to elevate Filipino pole vaulting on the global stage as he is passionate about empowering the next generation of Filipino athletes.
He envisions the Philippines as a global contender in pole vaulting, where young athletes could have access to the resources and training needed to compete at the highest levels.
“We can be globally competitive year after year,” he said, underscoring his belief that Filipino talent, with the right support, can thrive on the world stage.
The new facility is particularly meaningful for up-and-coming athletes like Hokket Delos Santos, a 20-year-old silver medalist from the SEA Games. Obiena acknowledged that access to facilities can be transformative, saying, “What if he did not have access to the facility? We would not have won that medal.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 22 with Obiena flying in from his training in Italy to personally oversee the event.
In addition to the launch, he plans to host a pole vault coaching clinic and seminar as a kick-off to a larger, sustainable program for the region.
By raising funds and building more facilities in provincial areas, Obiena hopes to inspire and nurture future athletes, ensuring that the sport of pole vaulting thrives for generations to come.
Through this initiative, Obiena’s dream extends beyond personal accolades as he aims to establish a legacy that will position the Philippines as a formidable force in pole vaulting, one medal, one athlete and one dream at a time.
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