Ej Obiena
EJ Obiena is a Filipino pole vaulter and national record holder, recognized as one of Asia’s best and the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in athletics.
Known for his discipline, humility, and mental strength, EJ has elevated Philippine sports on the world stage — breaking records, climbing world rankings, and inspiring a generation of athletes to dream beyond limits.
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Career Highlights
- Asian Champion (2023) – Gold Medal, Asian Athletics Championships (Bangkok)
- Asian Games Silver Medalist (2023) – Hangzhou, China
- World Athletics Championships (2022) – Bronze Medal
- World Athletics Championships (2023) – Silver Medal
- Olympian – Tokyo 2020 (Philippines)
- Paris 2024 Qualified Athlete – one of the first Filipinos to secure a slot
Records & Rankings
- Personal Best: 6.0 meters (2023, Bergen Jump Challenge – Norway)
- First Filipino and Asian to clear 6.0 meters, joining the elite “6-meter club” in pole vault history.
- Ranked World No. 2 in Men’s Pole Vault (as of late 2023).
- Holds multiple Philippine and Asian records in pole vault.
Awards & Recognition
- Athlete of the Year (2023) – Philippine Sportswriters Association
- Order of Lapu-Lapu Award (2023) – bestowed by the Office of the President
- Asian Athletics Federation Best Male Athlete
- World Athletics Diamond League Finalist (2023)
- Featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 (Sports & Entertainment category)
Training & Discipline
- Trains full-time in Formia, Italy, under renowned coach Vitaly Petrov (former coach of Olympic champion Sergey Bubka).
- Known for his analytical approach to the sport — balancing physics, body mechanics, and mental conditioning.
- Advocates for professionalism and athlete development programs in the Philippines.
Fun Facts
- Son of former national pole vaulter Emerson Obiena and track and field coach Jeanette Uy.
- Started pole vaulting at age 13.
- Fluent in English, Filipino, and conversational Italian.
- A strong advocate for mental health and athlete welfare.
- Known for his humble attitude despite international success.
Legacy
EJ Obiena stands as one of the brightest symbols of Filipino excellence in global athletics. From his humble beginnings in Manila to the world’s biggest sporting arenas, he has carried the Philippine flag with pride, grace, and unmatched determination.
As he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, EJ’s journey continues to inspire — proving that with focus, perseverance, and faith, the Filipino spirit can soar higher than ever.