Filipino pole vault icon EJ Obiena is on a mission to popularize pole vaulting in the Philippines and uncover young talents across the country. With his sights set on seeing the next generation of Filipino athletes compete and excel on the world stage, Obiena is launching a series of pole vault clinics nationwide. Partnering with Milo, the program is aptly named the “Six Meter Initiative,” inspired by Obiena's personal ambition to clear the six-meter mark in pole vaulting.
WATCH: World No. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena visits Oranbo Elementary School in Pasig City to promote his sport. The Olympian has been advocating for greater interest in pole vaulting. | via @jeck_batallones pic.twitter.com/4tgFdeDB40
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 10, 2024
“My goal is to make sure that anyone in the corner of the Philippines who wants to do pole vault should be able to have the facilities, should be able to have the opportunity, the knowledge to do it, to try it. Because this sport has given me a lot, and I really hope that it can do the same to other Filipino kids, and I mean that from the bottom of the heart,” Obiena expressed passionately.
The 28-year-old athlete believes that now is the perfect time to launch such initiatives, given the momentum from the Philippines’ historic performance at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Philippines secured four medals, including two gold and two bronze, marking one of the country’s best Olympic performances.
Gymnast Carlos Yulo made history by becoming the first Filipino to win multiple gold medals at a single Olympic Games, while boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas each earned bronze medals in their respective weight divisions. These achievements propelled the Philippines to finish 37th in the overall Olympic rankings, the highest since 1964, and established the country as the top Southeast Asian nation at the Games.
Reflecting on this success, Obiena emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the current surge of interest in sports among Filipinos. “We should start now. This is a high time, not just for my sport, but for all the sports. Probably the hardest thing to do in anything is to have that inspiration. Right now, because of how well the Philippines did in this past Olympics, the interest is at an all-time high. I hope the agencies that are responsible take advantage of this and really capitalize on the interest of this next generation of athletes to try different sports,” he added.
Obiena's “Six Meter Initiative” aims to break down the barriers that currently prevent many Filipino youths from exploring the sport of pole vaulting. By bringing clinics directly to communities across the nation, Obiena hopes to make pole vaulting more accessible and to inspire young athletes who may not have considered the sport as an option.
The initiative will provide essential resources, including access to proper facilities, coaching, and equipment, to give aspiring pole vaulters a chance to pursue their dreams. Obiena envisions a future where pole vaulting becomes a well-known and widely practiced sport in the Philippines, producing athletes who can compete at the highest levels globally.
“Pole vaulting has given me a lot of opportunities, not just in terms of my career but also in personal growth and character development. I want to share these opportunities with other Filipinos. I believe that with the right support and guidance, we can produce more world-class athletes,” Obiena explained.
Currently back in Manila, Obiena is managing a busy schedule despite cutting short his international competition due to a spine injury. He is slated to host a meet-and-greet event at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on September 15, an event titled the “High Flying Hangout.”
This event will include a pole vault exhibition and a panel discussion featuring world-class athletes, although the names of the guest athletes have not yet been announced. The event will provide fans with the opportunity to meet Obiena, learn more about his journey, and witness a live demonstration of pole vaulting techniques.
Following his social commitments, Obiena is set to undergo an MRI scan to assess the status of his injury. The results will determine whether he can return to training soon, as he is eager to not only complete the outdoor season but also work on reclaiming his world No. 2 ranking. “I need to let that vertebrae heal. The thing is, it needs time,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of his recovery.
Despite these setbacks, Obiena remains optimistic and focused on his future. He plans to fly to Europe on September 22 to begin preparations for the 2025 indoor season. His commitment to both his own athletic career and his broader mission to grow pole vaulting in the Philippines exemplifies his dedication to the sport.
Obiena's efforts to promote pole vaulting are part of his broader vision to leave a lasting legacy for Philippine athletics. By fostering a supportive environment for young athletes, he hopes to inspire a new generation to take up the sport and reach new heights. His clinics aim to build not just skills, but also a community of pole vaulters who can support and motivate each other.
The “Six Meter Initiative” is more than just a series of clinics—it’s a movement that seeks to change the landscape of Philippine sports. Through his partnership with Milo and other potential collaborators, Obiena aims to provide sustainable support and resources that will continue to benefit athletes long after the initial clinics have ended.
As EJ Obiena continues to champion the sport of pole vaulting in the Philippines, his vision extends beyond his personal achievements. His passion for the sport and his commitment to nurturing young talents reflect a deep-seated belief in the potential of Filipino athletes.
Through the “Six Meter Initiative,” Obiena is not just aiming to clear new heights in his own career but is also paving the way for the next generation of pole vaulters to make their mark on the world stage.
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