All news tagged EJObiena

EJ Obiena returned to competition with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Continental Tour in China, clearing 5.65 meters to finish third. 

Chinese vaulter Tao Zhong and American Cole Walsh both cleared 5.75m, with Zhong taking gold on countback.

The podium finish gives Obiena a timely boost as he heads into a busy September, highlighted by the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13–21. 

Obiena, the Philippine and Asian record holder at 6.00m, will also headline the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati on September 20–21. 

The event boasts a strong international field, including several top-25 vaulters.

Riding the momentum from China, Obiena aims for another landmark performance on the world stage and a memorable homecoming in Manila.

World No. 4 pole vaulter and Olympic qualifier EJ Obiena has announced a historic milestone for Philippine athletics: the country will host its first-ever World Athletics-sanctioned pole vault competition this coming September.

Titled the ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’, the landmark event will take place on September 20–21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.

This international meet signals a major step forward in putting the Philippines on the global map as a capable host of elite track and field competitions.

Obiena shared that the competition will feature top-tier international pole vaulters, many of whom will be fresh from the World Championships—ensuring a high level of performance and excitement for local spectators.

“This is more than a competition—it’s a message to the world that the Philippines is ready to be part of the global athletics stage,” said Obiena.

Beyond showcasing world-class action, the event also aims to inspire young Filipinos to consider careers in athletics—particularly in pole vaulting, a discipline where Obiena has earned international recognition and brought pride to the nation.

The ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’ forms part of Obiena’s ongoing advocacy to broaden the sport’s reach in the Philippines.

Set against the urban greenery of Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens, the competition promises not only thrilling sport but also a celebration of Filipino talent—and a call to action to develop stronger grassroots programs that will support future generations of athletes.

Philippine Pole Vault coach Emerson Obiena made the country proud after winning gold in the Men’s 60+ Pole Vault event at the ongoing World Masters Games 2025 in Taipei City Taiwan.

The 60-year-old veteran cleared 3.60 meters, outperforming competitors from around the world.

A minor leg issue cut short his attempt at 3.75 meters, but it didn’t stop him from securing the top podium finish.

Emerson Obiena, is the father of world no. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and he continues to inspire with his passion and dedication to the sport he loves so much.

“I’m grateful to still be able to do the sport I love,” he said. 

Coach Emerson returned to Manila, and gearing up to guide Hokket delos Santos and to focus on preparing for the Asian Athletics Championships happening next week in Korea.

Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena won his second gold medal in the athletics season of the 2025 Orlen Copernicus Cup held in Torun, Poland.

Obiena cleared the 5.80 meters jump to secure the gold medal in the event.

On his first jump attempt, Obiena quickly cleared the 5.50m mark. He also cleared rhe 5.60m, which took him to 5.70m, although Obiena missed twice on his 5.80 jump until he got the tactic and was able to clear the mark on his third attempt.

Meanwhile, Piotr Lisek of Poland took the silver medal with a 5.70 mark, while Sondre Guttormsen of Norway came in third with the same mark, with Lisek beating Guttormsen via countback.

Last month of January, Obiena previously won the gold medal at the recently concluded Metz Moselle Athletics Championships in France, and had a silver medal at the International Springer-Meeting Cottbus.

The two-time Filipino Olympian also previously failed to defend his title at the ISTAF Indoor in Germany after finishing seventh with a 5.55-meter jump last week.