MANILA — Filipino pole vault sensation Ernest John Obiena clinched the prestigious men’s elite gold medal at the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Osijek, Croatia, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze category event held on Tuesday (20 Feb 2024).

Ranking as the world’s No. 2, Obiena soared to a height of 5.83 meters on his initial attempt, outperforming Pedro Buarto of Portugal (5.73m) and Olen Tray Oates of the United States (5.61m).

Although Obiena ambitiously raised the bar to 5.93m, he encountered difficulty in his three successive attempts.

Nonetheless, he demonstrated his prowess by effortlessly clearing the bar at 5.51m and making two valiant efforts at 5.73m.

Buarto, after two attempts at his peak performance, made unsuccessful endeavors to surpass the 5.83m mark.

On the other hand, Oates, following a successful clearance at 5.41m on his second try, elevated the bar to 5.61m, which he effortlessly surpassed in a single attempt. However, despite his endeavors, he couldn’t conquer the 5.73m challenge in three attempts.

Obiena’s triumph in Croatia marks a significant milestone as he secures his berth for Paris, marking his second Olympic appearance following his participation in the 2020 Tokyo Games, where he reached the finals but narrowly missed the podium.

His ascent to the exclusive six-meter club during the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway last year remains a highlight, as he set new Asian and national records, surpassing his previous mark of 5.94m established during the World Athletics Championship in 2022. 

(el Amigo/MNM)

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)

EJ Obiena celebrates after winning the gold in the Asian Games.

EJ Obiena soars to greater heights in 2023.

The credentials of the 28-year-old Tondo-born pole vaulter in a 12-month span was indeed impressive, highlighting it by winning golds in three major international tournaments in record-breaking fashion.

He made history anew in the World Athletics Championships, became the first Filipino to join pole vault’s ultra-elite 6.00-meter club, and then capped off the year by finishing as the no. 2 ranked athlete in his field.

Obiena was also the first to book a berth in the 2024 Paris Olympics – the first Filipino bet to do so – with a silver-medal effort in a tournament in Sweden, just a day after the qualifiers for next year’s Olympiad began.

Those glowing achievements truly, are hard to ignore especially in a year when many firsts were recorded in Philippine sports history.

On account of it, Obiena has been chosen as the sole recipient of the Athlete of the Year honor in the coming San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-PSA Awards Night.

Gilas Pilipinas ending 61-year of frustration by bagging the basketball gold in the Asian Games, the Filipinas national team scoring a historic win in its FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, and the pair of Margarita ‘Meggie’ Ochoa and Annie Ramirez achieving a double gold for jiu-jitsu in the Hangzhou Asiad, were all considered for the prestigious award.

But Obiena got the nod of the majority from the country’s oldest media organization composed of print and online sportswriters headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine STAR.

ArenaPlus will be presenting the blue-ribbon event with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, PLDT/Smart and MILO as major sponsors. Also backing the event are the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, Rain or Shine and 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero.

Obiena, son of track and field athletes Emerson and Jeanette Uy, is the first track athlete to be honored with the prestigious award since long jumper Marestella Torres in 2009.

He emerged the undisputed pole vault king in Asia in the year just passed. Obiena set new records in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games (5.65 meters), the Asian Athletics Championships (5.91 meters) in Thailand, and later, the Hangzhou Asian Games (5.90 meters) on the way to completing a sweep of all three gold medals.

Obiena then raised the ante by becoming the first Filipino pole vaulter to win a silver medal in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest. He did 6.0 meters in another podium finish following his breakthrough bronze medal in the 2022 edition in Oregon.

Earlier, he finally joined pole vault’s ultra-elite 6.00-meter club and won the gold in the Sparebanken Vest Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway, becoming the first and only Asian athlete to achieve the feat.

In between, he also qualified to the 2024 Paris Olympics by clearing the bar at 5.82 meters in the Diamond League-Bauhaus Galan in Sweden and won numerous other tournaments during the season.

By the end of 2023, Obiena shot from no. 6 previously to the world’s second best pole vaulter behind Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis.

(IAmigo/MNM)

MANILA — The top performers in Philippine sports in the year about to end will be honored by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) as it holds its traditional Awards Night on Jan. 29 at the Diamond Hotel.

Asian Games gold medal winners EJ Obiena, Meggie Ochoa, Annie Ramirez, and Gilas Pilipinas lead the long list of achievers to be recognized by the country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of the Philippine Star.

All four and the Filipinas football team are vying for the prestigious Athlete of the Year award.

Obiena’s golden record in pole vault, the two-pronged triumph of Ochoa and Ramirez in jiu-jitsu, and Gilas’ epic march to reclaim basketball supremacy in Asia spearheaded the country’s four golds, two silvers, and 12 bronzes finish (17th overall) in the 19th edition of the Asiad in Hangzhou, China, in the Philippines’ highest placing yet in the quadrennial showcase since finishing 14th in Hiroshima, Japan 29 years ago.

The Filipinas on the other hand, made history following their debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, in a campaign that became even more memorable following the team’s stunning 1-0 victory over the host country through the breakthrough goal of Sarina Bolden.

In a year like no other in Philippine sports history, the Asiad and Southeast Asian Games – along with their Para Games counterparts – were both held in a single calendar year following the adjustments in the hosting of the four major meets owing to the pandemic, guaranteeing a star-studded Awards Night two months from now.

The country’s top two sports officials in Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino are expected to grace the formal affair and lead the local sports community in honoring the best and brightest of the year 2023.

Aside from the Athlete of the Year, other awards will also be handed out by sports editors and writers from different broadsheets, tabloids, and online sites that comprised the PSA membership.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, Executive of the Year, President’s Award, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, Ms. Football, and the Tony Siddayao Awards are among the yearly honors.

Major Awards and citations to athletes, officials, and entities who excelled in their respective sports are likewise going to be recognized.

(ai/mnm)

MANILA — No further legal action will be pursued by Filipino pole vault star and world No. 2, EJ Obiena, as he has graciously accepted the sincere apology from his accuser in the doping scandal.

Last week, Anais Lavillenie, the wife of former Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie, accused EJ Obiena of using performance-enhancing drugs in a Facebook post. However, on Tuesday, October 24, Anais issued a public apology, retracting her previous false allegations.

In a letter dated October 24, Anais Lavillenie publicly acknowledged the harm caused by her inaccurate statements and described her accusations as “stupid amalgams” that should have never been written.

She expressed genuine remorse for her actions and stated, “I would like to publicly offer my sincere apologies for writing untruthful words. I made a stupid amalgam that I should never have done and written. I admit, and that’s why I deleted the comment after the fact, but the damage was done. I am sincerely sorry.”

EJ Obiena responded positively to Anais’s apology, declaring that it brings closure to the matter for him and that he is prepared to move forward. He shared this sentiment in a social media post on Thursday, October 26, which included a signed letter from Anais.

As a former pole vaulter herself, Anais expressed deep regret for her unwarranted accusation posted on the Facebook page of Vaulter Magazine two weeks ago.

(Amigo Ismael/mnm)

FILIPINO netizens swiftly took to French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie’s social media accounts following controversial remarks made by his wife regarding the world’s number 2 pole vaulter, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.

Lavillenie recently shared a picture of himself recuperating from a leg injury on Facebook and Instagram. On these platforms, outraged netizens expressed their disdain for Anais, the wife of the 2012 Olympic champion, who made incendiary comments suggesting that Obiena had resorted to doping to secure victories.

Allan G. Tillo vented his frustration on Facebook: ‘Just because you’ve barely earned any medals in major competitions lately, doesn’t mean your wife can tarnish the reputation of an up-and-coming vaulter. Sir, you should rein in your spouse. It’s especially embarrassing considering that you will be hosting the next Olympics.'”

Another user, @acutetonzoilopharyngitis, expressed disappointment on Instagram: “Such a shame. I appreciate good sportsmanship and the camaraderie among athletes, as we see in gymnastics, where athletes support each other regardless of their nationalities. I believed that the same spirit prevailed in the world of pole vaulting. I was mistaken. Some photos demonstrate that peace and respect can exist in this realm, but envy and misinformation can easily destroy those values.”

@salie_thatgirl on Instagram commented, “Your wife claimed Obiena was doping. Why? Because he’s outperforming both of you now? Can your wife provide evidence? No, that’s why she deleted it. What a disgrace!”

@acie48 on Instagram added, “Tell your wife that jealousy and bitterness won’t make her the number 1 vaulter.”

“Your wife needs to substantiate her allegations. Otherwise, she’s just envious or delusional, or possibly both,” stated Randy Dacanay on Facebook.

Anais, Lavillenie’s wife, accused Obiena of doping, likening it to the case of 2016 Olympic gold medalist Thiago Braz, who was recently suspended due to a failed doping test. Braz had defeated Lavillenie during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was also Obiena’s training partner under coach Vitaly Petrov.

Anais has since limited comments on her Instagram posts. Although her Facebook comment accusing Obiena of doping has been deleted, the world’s second-ranked pole vaulter shared it on his Facebook page on Monday and hinted at exploring legal action.

“I will let this story unfold as my team explores various options, including legal action. I guess this is the price you pay when you win,” he wrote at the time.

During an interview on Sportsdesk from Dubai on Monday, Obiena’s mentor, James Lafferty, revealed that Braz had not been training under Petrov for a year.

“Associating guilt by connection is extremely reckless and irresponsible,” Lafferty said. “[Obiena] has never failed a doping test, and while he’s here in Dubai, we’re even conducting a polygraph test this week, which we will publish. It’s administered by a certified polygrapher, and EJ is voluntarily taking it, which is a rare step. We’re confident that it will support our case.”

He added, “We’ve had private discussions, and he has never even considered doping, let alone come close to it. Our only concern in all of this is that no one tampered with his food or drink. We’ve had numerous discussions about not accepting anything from someone he doesn’t know, and it’s a sad state of affairs that we have to be so cautious. But as we approach the Olympic year, you can never be too careful, and we won’t consume anything unless he knows its source and can ensure it’s safe.”

Obiena, who recently clinched a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, is now preparing for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, France.

(ai/mnm)

ERNEST John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the accomplished Filipino pole vault athlete, expressed his deep frustration and outrage on the evening of October 15th regarding the doping allegations made by Anais Lavillenie, the spouse of Renaud Lavillenie, the 2012 Olympic men’s pole vault gold medalist.

Anais chose to air her accusations against Obiena, currently ranked as the world’s second-best pole vaulter, in the comments section of Vaulter Magazine – Vaulter Club Inc. Facebook page. This transpired when the page shared an article from The Manila Times, which featured Obiena’s belief in his ability to surpass the world’s number one pole vaulter, Armand Duplantis.

In response to a comment by Lynn Lazar, who remarked, ‘Well, you have to believe to achieve. So he’s on the right track at least. Realistically? Anything is possible,’ Anais fired back, alleging that ‘Obiena doped and it’ll fall like Braz. Same coach, same plan, same objective!’

Although Anais has since removed her comment, Obiena, along with his supporters, managed to capture a screenshot of her statement, which he included in his post addressing the issue.

In his response, Obiena maintained his composure and dignity on the matter, stating, “I want to remain classy and dignified on this subject. All I will say is I am disappointed, angry, and feel wronged by these statements. I will let the story evolve while my team explores the many angles, including legal. I guess this is part of the price you pay when you win.”

The “Braz” that Anais referred to appears to be the Brazilian pole vaulter Thiago Braz, who secured the 2016 Olympic men’s pole vault gold medal but was suspended in July for testing positive for ostarine. Ostarine is classified as an investigational drug by the US FDA and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Anais also mentioned the ‘same coach,’ Ukrainian legend Vitaly Petrov, who coaches both Braz and Obiena.

Comments from fans in response to the same Facebook post called out Anais for her baseless accusations, some labeling her as bitter.

“Why delete your comment? You must face the consequences of your own stupidity,” wrote one commenter, Jan Vicon.

“Anais Lavillenie is just really bitter because a pole vaulter outside the US and Europe is succeeding and has shown improvement over time. You’re not expressing concern; you’re expressing your desire for someone’s failure,” wrote another commenter, Jericho Bullecer.

A commenter named Ameera Goma highlighted the repercussions of Anais’ comment being picked up by national news in their country and urged her to issue an apology and learn from her mistake before accusing any national athlete of cheating without factual basis.

Obiena’s ascent in the world of pole vault has been remarkable. Since finishing 11th at the Tokyo Olympics, he has climbed from the sixth position in July 2021 to the second spot in the men’s pole vault world rankings as of October 2023. Notably, he set an Asian record of 6.0 meters in the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway in June, earning a gold medal. Two months later, he replicated the feat at the World Championships in Budapest, securing a silver medal, which was a historic achievement for his country.

Obiena, who turns 28 in November, has also consistently performed well throughout the outdoor season, securing a spot on the podium in 15 out of the 16 tournaments he entered. His crowning achievement during this season was his victory in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where he established a new meet record of 5.90 meters. (ai/mnm)

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), under the leadership of President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, proudly presents a generous gift of 5 million pesos to celebrate EJ Uy Obiena, the Philippines’ first gold medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the world’s second-best pole vault athlete. This heartwarming gesture took place at the FFCCCII Building in Manila on October 10, 2023.

This 5 million peso cash incentive forms part of the remarkable 10 million peso reward extended to EJ Obiena by both the Chinese community and his beloved Alma Mater, Chiang Kai Shek College. These funds will greatly assist the star pole vaulter in his preparations for the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

NAKOPO ni Filipino Olympian at pole vaulter EJ Obiena ang unang gold medal ng Pilipinas sa 19th Asian Games sa Hangzhou, China.

Dinomina ni Obiena ang pole vault finals kung saan mag-isa niyang na-clear ang 5.75-meter mark matapos ang dalawang pagtatangka.

Pagkatapos ay na-clear niya ang 5.90 meters sa isang attempt, na lalong nagsemento sa kanyang gold medal win.

Tinangka ni Obiena na ma-clear ang 6.02 meters subalit bigo siyang magawa ito.

Bago ang kanyang gold-clinching jump, na-clear ng pole vault world no. 2 na si Obiena ang 5.55 meters ng isang beses.

Inangkin nina Huang Bokai ng China at Hussain Asim Al Hizam ng Saudi Arabia ang silver at bronze, ayon sa pagkakasunod, sa 5.65 meters.

Sa kanyang nilundag ay binura ni Obiena ang Asian Games record na dating tangan ni Seito Yamamoto ng Japan sa 5.70 meters.

Kasalukuyang hawak ng Pinoy pole vaulter ang Asian record sa 6.0 meters.

HANGZHOU – Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Asia’s best pole vaulter and Filipino superstar Ernest John Obiena is expected to deliver the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 19th Asian Games here on Saturday.

Obiena, the overwhelming favorite to win the pole vault gold in the Asiad, is expected to obliterate the opposition in the event slated at 7:05 p.m. at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre.

“My aim is to win (in Hangzhou). That’s the goal,” said Obiena in a previous interview.

The 27-year-old Obiena, who regained the no. 2 rank in the world following his runner-up finish to world champion Arman “Mondo” Duplantis in the 2023 Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon almost two weeks ago, holds the Asian record of 6 meters, he twice achieved in Budapest last August and Norway last June.

Obiena, however, doesn’t own the Asian Games record. That distinction belongs to Japanese Seito Yamamoto, who leaped to a height of 5.75 meters during the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

The Filipino pole vaulter, who was recovering from an ACL injury at that time, placed only 7th in that edition as he struggled to find any rhythm of sorts. He went on to leap just 5.45 meters.

Obiena will be aiming for payback against the 31-year-old Yamamoto, who according to Japan Running News, will be having another tour of duty for Japan in the Asiad.

Yamamoto’s best showing this season, however, is just 5.60 he did in the L’Anneau-Halle d’athlétisme de Metz in France last February. Yamamoto plus three Chinese pole vaulters will be in the field.

“This is the opportunity for us Filipino athletes to show what we’ve got,” said Obiena, who will also have a chance to end a three-decade medal drought by the country in the Asiad, where the last medal from athletics was won by Elma Muros, who bagged the bronze in the women’s long jump event.

“We are determined to contribute to the Philippine Team’s campaign. Our men and women are ready,” said athletics secretary general and team manager Edward Kho.

The only minor concern for Obiena, if it’s a worry at all, is jet lag.

“EJ is recovering from jet lag after arriving a few days ago from a competition in Oregon, USA. But he is a veteran. He will do what he has to do come tomorrow night’s finals in the pole vault,” said athletics chief Terry Capistrano. (ai/mnm)

Ernest John Obiena secured the bronze medal at the Brussels Diamond League, as Armand Duplantis narrowly missed breaking his own world record.

Despite this, the 23-year-old Duplantis, who is also the reigning Olympic and double world champion, emerged victorious in the competition on Friday with a remarkable clearance of 6.10 meters, setting a new meet record.

Sam Kendricks of the United States and Obiena ended up second and third with 5.92m jump.

(ai/mnm)

The sight of the Philippine flag on the stands of the stadium in Germany accordingly added to his joy of snaring the gold for the second time in one week’s time, EJ Obiena said on his Facebook account.

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, the Filipino pole vaulter who recently clinched the gold medal at the ISTAF in Berlin, Germany, has once again secured a gold medal on Wednesday (Manila time) at the NetAachen Domspringen pole vault tournament in Aachen, Germany. He achieved this feat by successfully clearing the bar at 5.92 meters. Sam Kendricks of the United States took the silver with a 5.87-meter performance, while Thibault Collet of France secured the bronze by clearing 5.82 meters.

It’s worth noting that the world’s number one pole vaulter and world record holder, Armand Duplantis of Sweden, and USA’s Christopher Nilsen did not participate in this tournament.

Just a few days prior, on September 4th, Obiena had also cleared 5.92 meters to claim the gold medal at the Istaf Berlin held at the Olympiastadion in Germany.

Obiena’s upcoming major competition is the Asian Games, set to take place later this month in Hangzhou, China. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has expressed confidence in Obiena’s ability to secure a gold medal at the event during a recent public briefing. (ai/mnm)

MANILA, Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena has made a triumphant comeback by clinching a gold medal in Berlin.

Just three days after his disappointing last-place finish in the Zurich leg of the Diamond League, the Pinoy pole vault sensation made a remarkable recovery, securing a gold medal at the Istaf Berlin held at the Olympiastadion in Germany on the early morning of Monday, September 4 (Manila time).

Obiena displayed his prowess by successfully clearing 5.92 meters in his third attempt, solidifying his spot atop the podium once again. (Sourced online/AI/MNM)

THE way Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has been performing this season makes him a cinch for an Olympic medal next year in Paris, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“He’s making sure he’ll get there,” said Tolentino Monday, a day after Obiena cleared 6.0 meters for the second time this year to finish with a silver medal at the world athletics championships in Budapest on Sunday.

“It’s not only skills and physicality that’s gone elite on EJ, but his focus and mental approach to his sport,” Tolentino added.

It was only Olympic champion and world record holder Armand Duplantis who stood on Obiena’s way for the gold medal in Hungary.

The Swede won a second consecutive world championships title at 6.10m with Obiena providing Duplantis a tough challenge—the Asian record holder attempted 6.05 and even 6.10, proof of his warrior-attitude on the field.

“It’s a year to go before Paris, one full year for EJ to get better and better,” Tolentino said. “He’ll have plenty of time to focus on setting the bar higher, and qualifying for Paris won’t be one of his challenges anymore, he’s in.”

Obiena almost went perfect in the current season by making the podium in 19 of 20 indoor and outdoor competitions he participated in.

The Asian and Southeast Asian Games champion Obiena has also already beaten Duplantis at the Diamond League’s leg in September last year in Brussels where he won the gold with 5.91m with Duplantis finishing with the silver after clearing only 5.81m.

Obiena also bagged silver at the Monaco Diamond League last July 23 when Duplantis settled for fourth place.

Next up for Obiena, who was 11th among 12 finalists in his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, are the Asian Games next month in Hangzhou, and with no Asian pole vaulter approximating his numbers, Tolentino said he’s a cinch there, too.

But Tolentino is hoping for more Filipino athletes to earn tickets to Paris in the Olympic qualifying window that ends June 30 next year.

The Asian Games, Tolentino said, also offer berths to Paris.

“We’re hopeful for more Filipino athletes to get to Paris via Hangzhou,” he said.
(ai/mnm)

Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the Filipino pole vault sensation, demonstrated his prowess at the Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League, securing a remarkable silver medal at the Stade Louis-II in Fontvieille, Monaco on an early Saturday, July 22 (Manila time).

Having recently climbed to world no. 2, Obiena soared over the bar at 5.82 meters, securing an impressive second-place finish. The gold medal was claimed by American Christopher Nilsen, who cleared 5.92 meters with exceptional skill.

Interestingly, the competition held a sense of redemption for Nilsen, who was formerly ranked second in the world before being overtaken by Obiena, now at world no. 3.

Aussie Kurtis Marschall also achieved a height of 5.82 meters, but he settled for the bronze medal after a countback, having required two tries to clear 5.72 meters, while Obiena managed it in just one attempt.

Surprisingly, the current world no. 1, Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis of Sweden, missed the podium with a surprising clearance of only 5.72 meters. This result was unusual for Duplantis, who is known for effortlessly clearing 6.0 meters.

Duplantis successfully cleared 5.72 meters on his first attempt but encountered difficulties when skipping 5.82 meters and attempting 5.92 meters twice, to no avail. In a bold effort to regain his usual form, he made his final attempt at 6.02 meters but was unable to clear it.

Similarly, Obiena, who started at 5.62 meters and then progressed to 5.82 meters, faced challenges at 5.92 meters, failing to clear it in two tries. With determination, he made a final courageous attempt at 6.02 meters, but unfortunately, it proved unsuccessful. (ai/mnm)

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, the Filipino pole vaulter, has soared to a career-high position as the second-best pole vaulter in the world.

According to World Athletics statistics, he achieved an impressive score of 1432, surpassing American Christopher Nilsen, who held a score of 1428.

The reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, continues to reign supreme as the world’s number one pole vaulter, with an outstanding score of 1569.

Securing the fourth spot is American athlete Sam Kendricks, who scored 1352, while the fifth position goes to Brazil’s 2016 Olympic champion, Thiago Braz.

Overjoyed with his achievement, Obiena expressed his gratitude on his social media handles, thanking everyone who contributed to his success and acknowledging those who supported him throughout his journey.

At 27 years old, hailing from Tondo, EJ Obiena has already qualified for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, France. His exceptional performance, clearing 5.82 meters at the Bauhaus Galan in Sweden, solidified his spot in the prestigious sporting event. (ai/mnm)

Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the accomplished Filipino pole vaulter, once again showcased his dominance in Asia by successfully defending his championship title at the Asian Athletics Championships.

The event, held on July 16 at the Suphachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, witnessed Obiena’s remarkable performance.

In the pole vault competition, Obiena soared to new heights, securing the gold medal while setting a fresh meet record of 5.91 meters. With his jumps commencing at 5.51 meters, Obiena flawlessly cleared heights of 5.56 and 5.80 meters. Subsequently, he surpassed the 5.71-meter mark, matching his record-breaking jump from the 2019 edition of the tournament in Doha, where he initially emerged as the victor.

Although Obiena made valiant attempts to achieve a new Asian and personal record of 6.02 meters, he was unsuccessful after three tries. Nonetheless, his outstanding performance earned him the top spot on the podium, solidifying his position as a formidable pole vaulter.

Hussein Asim Alhizam from Saudi Arabia secured the silver medal with a jump of 5.56 meters, while Bokai Huang from China settled for the bronze medal with a jump of 5.51 meters.

This victory marks Obiena’s third gold medal in the outdoor season this year. He initiated his winning streak with a gold medal at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in May, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he set a new meet standard of 5.65 meters. Furthermore, he attained another gold medal by establishing a new Asian record of 6.0 meters at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway on June 10.

Throughout the season, Obiena’s performances have been consistently impressive. Since the SEA Games, he has maintained a streak of podium finishes, including a bronze medal at the Memorial Irena Szewinska in Bydgoszcz, Poland on June 7, where he jumped 5.72 meters. Subsequently, he set the new Asian record at the Bergen Jump Challenge and secured a bronze medal with a jump of 5.81 meters at the Oslo Diamond League-Bislett Games in Norway on June 16.

Continuing his successful run, Obiena claimed a bronze medal with a jump of 5.90 meters at the Ostrava Golden Spike in the Czech Republic on June 28. He then achieved a silver medal with a clearance of 5.82 meters at the Bauhaus-Galan on July 3 in Sweden, which also earned him a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Additionally, Obiena attained another silver medal with a jump of 5.72 meters at the Meeting International de Sotteville in France on July 8 before his triumphant performance at the Asian Athletics Championships.

Obiena’s exceptional achievements not only highlight his remarkable talent and consistency in pole vaulting but also establish him as a prominent figure in the sport.

(ai/mnm)

In the early hours of Saturday, July 8 (Manila time), Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena clinched a silver medal at the Meeting International de Sotteville, held at the Jean Adret Stadium in France.

Just five days after achieving a remarkable height of 5.82m in Sweden, which made him the first Filipino to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Obiena managed to clear 5.72m this time, earning him a second-place finish.

Australian athlete Kurtis Marschall, with an impressive personal best of 5.95m, took the top spot and claimed the gold medal in the competition, which featured a field of ten participants, including six from France.

Among the French competitors was Baptiste Thiery, who achieved a personal best of 5.72m, securing the bronze medal in the process.

Obiena surpassed Thiery’s performance, as he cleared 5.72m in just one attempt, while Thiery required two tries to achieve the same height. (ai/mnm)

MANILA – The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has commended pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for earning a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The world’s No. 3 Obiena cleared the Olympic standard of 5.82 meters to claim the silver medal during the 2023 Stockholm Diamond League in Sweden on July 2.

World’s No. 1 Armand “Mondo” Duplantis of Sweden registered 6.05m to claim the gold medal while Pal Haugen Lillefosse of Norway (5.72m) settled for the bronze medal.

“On behalf of President Terry Capistrano and the PATAFA, we congratulate EJ Obiena for securing the Paris Olympic slot for pole vault in his first competition during the Olympic qualification window,” the PATAFA said in a statement on Monday.

PATAFA is hoping that Obiena’s achievement as the first Filipino to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics will inspire other Filipino athletes to work hard to make it to the world’s most prestigious sports event.

“We are delighted that EJ can now focus on preparing for the Olympics, Asian Athletics Championships, and the Asian Games. We are grateful to the continued support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee to EJ. We also extend our thanks and congratulations to EJ’s coaching team. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino!” the statement added.

Obiena, 27, also qualified for the last Tokyo Olympics but failed to win a medal.

Meanwhile, Obiena will lead the national athletics team in the Asian Championships scheduled from July 12 to 16 in Pattaya, Thailand.

Other members of the team are Eric Cray (men’s 400m), Janry Ubas (men’s long jump), Umajesty Williams (men’s 400m and 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m), Michael Carlo del Prado (men’s 4x400m and mixed 4x400m), Frederick Ramirez (men’s 400m and 4x400m), Joyme Sequita (men’s 4x400m), Maureen Schrijvers (women’s 400m and 4x400m), Robyn Brown (women’s 400m Hurdles and 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m), Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m and 4x400m), Jessel Lumapas ( women’s 4x400m and mixed 4x400m), Sonny Wagdos (men’s 5000m and 10,000m), John Cabang Tolentino (men’s 110m Hurdles), Clinton Bautista (men’s 110m Hurdles), William Morrison (men’s shot put), Aries Toledo (men’s decathlon), Johnmike Lera (men’s decathlon), Arlan Arbois (men’s 10000m), Gennah Malapit (women’s javelin throw), Joida Gagnao (women’s 3000m steeplechase), Ronne Malipay (men’s triple jump), Sarah Dequinan (women’s heptathlon) and Kristina Knott (women’s 100m and 200m).

Coaches Jojo Posadas, Sean Guevara, Dario de Rosas, Danilo Fresnido, Eduardo Buenavista, Emerson Obiena, Isidro del Prado, Martin Dela Fuente (Spanish coach of Cabang), Samantha Cray (wife-coach of Eric) and Vitaly Petrov (Ukranian coach of EJ) will accompany the athletes.

Also joining the trip are Capistrano and PATAFA Executive Vice President Guillermo Torres and Secretary General Edward Kho, national training director Renato Unso and Jasper Tanhueco, who will serve as team manager.

The other Cambodia SEA Games medalists in the team are Cray (gold, 400m), Ubas (gold, long jump), Ramirez (bronze, 400m); Del Prado, Ramirez, Sequita and Williams (gold, men’s 4x400m relay); Arbois (silver, marathon); Williams (silver, 400m); Wagdos (1500m); Gagnao (3000m steeplechase); Brown (400m); Malipay (silver, triple jump); Dequinan (hepthatlon); Malapit (silver, javelin throw); Bejoy, Brown, Lumapas and Schrijvers (silver, 4x400m relay); Brown, Lumapas, Ramirez and Williams (bronze, mixed 4x400m relay); Toledo (bronze, decathlon); and Tolentino (bronze, 110m hurdles). (PNA)

EJ Obiena in action (Olympic Council of Asia photo courtesy)

He is already assured of a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics but for star pole vaulter EJ Obiena, so much work is yet to be done.

EJ Obiena, the Philippines’ and Asia’s top pole vaulter, has secured his spot in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics by meeting the Olympic entry standard height of 5.82m at the Bauhaus-Galan event held at Stockholm Olympic Stadium in Sweden on Monday, July 3 (Manila time).

Despite his accomplishment, Obiena is not ready to rest on his achievements.

He recognizes the need to continue working hard, especially after acknowledging some “rookie mistakes” during the competition, where he ultimately earned a silver medal.

In a Facebook post on Monday night, the 6-foot-2 athlete based in Italy stated, “We still have plenty of work ahead of us. I made some rookie mistakes yesterday, proving that I am constantly learning and growing in this sport.”

Obiena cleared the bar at 5.72m on his second attempt and repeated the same success at 5.82m. However, he decided to skip the 5.90m mark and made three unsuccessful attempts at surpassing 5.95m.

(AI/MNM)