SUMMIT Natural Drinking Water brand ambassador EJ Obiena is a paragon of resilience.
Time and again, the Filipino superstar pole vaulter has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to rise from the ashes of defeat. The heartbreak of finishing fourth at the recent Paris Olympics was a particularly bitter pill to swallow, but it hasn’t deterred his ambitions.
Thankfully, his #thirstformore glory for his country, has not deterred him to pursue his goals.
“This season has been quite an eventful season, so there has been quite a lot of challenges, but I don’t think that exactly stopped us, but it did hinder us,” said Obiena, who recently spearheaded a fund-raising initiative—“High Flying Hangout with EJ Obiena: Meet and Greet Event” supported by Summit Natural Drinking Water at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, where he drew 300 fans and spent time with pole vault legend Sergei Bubka and his legendary coach Vitaly Petrov.
“I’m gonna keep pushing forward, of course. There is always going to be next summits for me to chase, to set my eyes on and set the target so that’s something that I am hoping to achieve. I fell short this time, but hopefully next time we’ll make it to the top of the summit.”
OUT OF THE PODIUM IN PARIS
Obiena finished fourth in the pole vault finals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, clearing 5.90 meters—the same height as Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, who claimed the bronze medal. However, the 28-year-old Obiena fell short of a medal because Karalis had fewer attempts in the first four heights.
“Not necessarily that we achieved the goal or the summit this year, but I think I’m still very blessed to be where I am at, very thankful to be at the position that I am still in. Fourth place might not be the best place to be, but I am very proud of what my team has accomplished. So to summarize it, I am very thankful for what has transpired at least to a certain extent this season,” Obiena said.
Despite the agony of narrowly missing the Olympic bronze, Obiena’s competitive spirit remains undiminished. Asia’s no. 1 pole vaulter and the world’s no. 3 is determined to make a strong impact next season.
GIVING BACK TO THE SPORT
Believing that the lack of pole vault facilities is a significant barrier to the sport’s development in the Philippines, Obiena organized a meet-and-greet fundraiser to help promote the discipline that has made him a household name.
“I’m truly grateful for the overwhelming support I received at the event,” the 28-year-old Obiena said of his event that raised P1.5 million in total donations. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we’ll be able to donate pole vault pits to various regions in the Philippines, ensuring that more young athletes have access to these essential facilities.”
SUPPORT FROM FILIPINOS, SUMMIT WATER
One bright spot that Obiena is thankful for is the continued support from his countrymen and Summit Natural Drinking Water.
“I am very blessed to be in a position that not many athletes are in. I feel very lucky to have the support of the Filipino people despite not medaling. I am truly grateful for that. It still feels a bit strange to be congratulated for placing fourth, as I’m more accustomed to striving for first place.,” said Obiena with a smile.
“But having the support of the Filipino people makes all this bearable and really sweet. I am very thankful for that and thank you Summit for supporting me now, for more than four years and continuing to support me on my journey and my advocacies. Summit has been there for me continuing that chase. Thanks Summit,” Obiena added.
BACK IN THE GAME SOON
Obiena said he needs to fully recover from his lumbar spine injury before he can go back to training and compete for the next indoor season.
“I can’t do outdoor workouts. Just indoor cycling and yoga,” said Obiena as he seeks to return to competition in early 2025, depending on the results of an upcoming MRI scan that will determine if his spine injury from the Silesia leg of the Diamond League has healed.
If it has, expect Obiena’s #thirstforgold to continue.
