Ernest John "EJ" Obiena has resumed his training following his fourth-place performance in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in the men's pole vault. Hours before he returned home with Team Philippines, he announced on Facebook that Filipinos would be seeing more of him representing the flag once more.
“I commit to everyone now. I am back in training, I am back in the game and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud,” the 28-year-old Obiena said.
“You are going to see more from me and see the Philippine flag raised and raised on a global stage.”
International pole vault in Manila
The Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge, which takes place on September 20 in Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, is one of the events that Filipinos don't need to go far to attend to see Obiena.
It is currently unknown whether his Olympic rivals, Mondo Duplantis, the winner of Paris and the top-ranked Swedish player in the world, will be competing.
“The measure of a man or woman is NOT a singular event -- like the Olympics -- but a cumulative or collective measure over time. I finished 4th in Paris, close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career,” Obiena vowed.
Obiena falls to world no. 3
With the announcement of World Athletics' most recent rankings following the Olympics, Obiena dropped to No. 3.
Obiena fell one spot, giving up his No. 2 ranking in the world to American Sam Kendricks, who won silver in the Olympics.
After permanently surpassing Chris Nilsen of the USA in September 2023, Obiena remained in the second position for about a year before the still top pole vaulter Duplantis.
