MANILA — In a celebration of exceptional achievements in sports, Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is poised to be crowned the 2023 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year at the Diamond Hotel grand ballroom on Monday (January 29, 2024).

This accolade marks a fitting tribute to Obiena’s stellar performance during the past year, solidifying his position as the world’s No. 2 pole vaulter.

Obiena, who secured a podium finish in 15 out of 16 tournaments during the outdoor season, achieved record-breaking feats at the Phnom Penh Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games. Notably, he set a new standard with a clearance of 5.65 meters at the SEA Games and clinched his first Asian Games gold with a record-breaking jump of 5.90 meters.

The 28-year-old athlete also etched his name in history by becoming the first Filipino to qualify for the Paris Olympics, surpassing the Olympic standard entry height of 5.82 meters in Bauhaus-Galan, Sweden, in July.

The PSA Awards Night, recognized as the biggest in the association’s 75-year history, will see the participation of top sports officials, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino. The event will honor 140 awardees, spanning various sports and achievements.

Aside from Obiena, other notable recognitions include the President’s Award for Gilas Pilipinas, ending a 61-year title drought in the Asian Games, and a “Golden Lady Booters” Special Award for the Philippine women’s national football team, which made a historic debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The PSA Major Awards will be presented to Asiad gold medalists Margarita “Meggie” Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, while the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the Philippines (JJFP) share the National Sports Associations (NSAs) of the Year honors.

Special Awards will be given to outstanding athletes, including PBA seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, known as “Mr. Basketball,” Creamline stalwart Diana Mae “Tots” Carlos, recognized as “Ms. Volleyball,” and Filipinas star forward Sarina Bolden, acknowledged as “Ms. Football.” Additionally, net sensation Alex Eala will be honored as “Ms. Tennis.”

The evening’s festivities will also celebrate gold medalists from the Hangzhou Asiad and Cambodia Southeast Asian Games, along with their counterparts in the Asiad and Asean Para Games. The event will feature the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to basketball legends Allan Caidic and the late Avelino ‘Samboy’ Lim, as well as champion coaches Dante Silverio, Joe Lipa, and Arturo Valenzona, adding a touch of nostalgia to the celebration.

Prominent figures such as SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang and First Pacific Company Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan will be honored as Executives of the Year for their significant contributions, including the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup and regaining the valuable basketball gold during the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou, China.

(By el Amigo/MNM)