From Manila to the World: EJ Obiena’s golden path in pole vaulting

In a region where track and field athletes often struggle for global visibility, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has defied both gravity and expectation. The Filipino pole vaulter has not only soared to world-class status, but he has also firmly positioned himself as the face of Southeast Asian athletics and the definitive flagbearer of pole vaulting in the Philippines.

The Rise of a Record-Breaker

EJ Obiena’s journey began like many great athletes — with raw potential and a relentless drive. But unlike most Southeast Asian athletes in his field, he managed to break through international ceilings. Born to athletic parents and trained early by his father, Obiena’s progress skyrocketed when he began training in Italy under Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov — the same coach who mentored pole vault legends like Sergey Bubka and Yelena Isinbayeva.

His landmark performance came in 2021, when he became the first Filipino to qualify for the Olympic Games in pole vaulting and broke the Asian record with a vault of 5.93 meters. Since then, he has consistently ranked among the world’s top 5 pole vaulters — an almost unthinkable feat for an athlete from a country where pole vaulting had no prior tradition of international success.

More Than Medals: A Symbol of Potential

Obiena has become more than an elite athlete; he has become a symbol of what Filipino and Southeast Asian athletes can achieve with proper support, infrastructure, and opportunity. His international medals — including golds at the Asian Athletics Championships, SEA Games, and podium finishes in Diamond League events — send a message: Southeast Asians can compete with — and beat — the world’s best.

His presence in high-stakes global tournaments has also given the Philippines a seat at the table in conversations traditionally dominated by powerhouses like the U.S., Sweden, and France. When he stands on a podium beside Armand Duplantis or Thiago Braz, he carries with him the hopes of an entire region often overlooked in athletics.

EJ TAKES HOME THE GOLD!

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena won gold in the Asian Athletics Championship.

This is his third straight gold in the Asian tournament after winning in 2019 in Dubai and in Bangkok in 2023.

COURTESY: Philippine Athletics Track and Field… pic.twitter.com/YO8PvgBtg6

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) May 31, 2025

Navigating Controversy with Composure

Obiena’s path has not been without turmoil. His well-publicized dispute with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) over funding and administrative support tested not just his patience, but also his patriotism. Throughout the ordeal, Obiena remained composed, professional, and fiercely dedicated to his craft — even as the situation put his Olympic dreams at risk.

Rather than let the controversy derail him, he turned the adversity into fuel. The public support he garnered — from fellow athletes, international sports officials, and Filipino fans — was a testament to the impact he had already made.

Why Obiena Is the Pole Bearer of a Movement

EJ Obiena isn’t just the best pole vaulter Southeast Asia has ever produced; he’s paving a new path for future generations. He’s proven that success in pole vaulting — a highly technical and resource-intensive sport — is not limited to athletes from Europe or North America.

His visibility has inspired renewed interest in athletics across the Philippines, with more young athletes beginning to explore track and field events that were previously overshadowed by basketball and boxing. He has also challenged government agencies and sports bodies to rethink how they support elite athletes, especially in non-mainstream sports.

He’s not just clearing bars; he’s raising them — for what Filipino and Southeast Asian athletes can achieve on the world stage.

Conclusion

EJ Obiena is more than the best pole vaulter in Southeast Asia — he is its trailblazer, its champion, and its pole bearer. His journey is not just about athletic performance but about courage, resilience, and national pride. In every jump he takes, he carries with him a region’s aspirations — and proves that even in a sport of inches and meters, the impact of greatness can be immeasurable.

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