PHILIPPINE pole vault star EJ Obiena has shared a vision that goes beyond winning an Olympic medal—he wants to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to embrace the sport.
“One of my biggest dreams is coming true,” Obiena wrote in a heartfelt post on his social media. “Yes, I dream of bringing home an Olympic medal for the Philippines and making our country proud. But honestly, I have an even bigger dream in vaulting beyond medals.”
Obiena, Asia’s top pole vaulter, firmly believes that Filipinos can be globally competitive in pole vaulting. However, he noted the need for accessible training facilities across the country. That’s why he’s spearheading a new initiative—the first of its kind for the Philippines—to develop local infrastructure for the sport.
“I believe this is an Olympic sport Filipinos can excel in,” Obiena added.
Obiena announced that his team his team will inaugurate the first pole vault training facility in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Nov. 22.
This state-of-the-art venue, located in the newly built 12,000-seater Marcos Stadium, is set to be a launchpad for aspiring pole vaulters in the region.
Obiena expressed gratitude to his supporters and friends, who came together to bring this dream to life.
“I am excited to make the sport more accessible to young Filipino talents,” he said, revealing plans to conduct coaching clinics and seminars during the facility’s opening to help lay the groundwork for a sustainable pole vault program in the region.
Returning to full training in Italy after recovering from a spinal injury, the two-time Olympian remains laser-focused on his own Olympic goals, particularly eyeing the 2028 Games.
Yet, he’s equally committed to building a legacy for Filipino athletes in the sport. The Laoag facility, he says, is “just the first of many” he envisions across the country.
To help fund future facilities, Obiena has started auctioning memorabilia—shirts and shoes he wore in prestigious international competitions.
Through these auctions, he aims to gather resources to establish additional pole vault training centers and expand access for Filipino youth eager to excel in the sport.
