Cover EJ Obiena during World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze, Orlen Cup 2023 in Lodz, Poland (Photo by Foto Olimpik / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
EJ Obiena during World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze, Orlen Cup 2023 in Lodz, Poland (Photo by Foto Olimpik / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
1 / 1
Following his win at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games Pole vaulter EJ Obiena has set his sights on a new goal: helping young Filipino pole vaulters. This is how he’s going to do it
World-ranked number three Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena bagged his third consecutive gold at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. He is eager to share this feat with younger athletes who wish to have proper training gear.
In a quick dialogue with the press, Obiena revealed that he is auctioning off the customised shoes he wore during the competition. According to the athlete, younger pole vaulters in the Philippine rural areas only use fibreglass poles and sawdust to train.
In case you missed it: Filipino Pole Vaulter EJ Obiena Bags Bronze Medal at World Athletics Championships
“Anyone who’s listening: it’s up for grabs,” he said, showing the pink and orange-coloured sports shoes. “All money, all proceeds, will go to buying a new pole vault pit or a second-hand pole vault pit,” he added. “If we can’t get the actual size, then we’ll get something—just not sawdust.”
Above In a quick dialogue with the press, Obiena revealed that he is putting up for auction the customised shoes he wore during the competition. (Photo: June Navaro/ Inquirer Sports)
Above In a quick dialogue with the press, Obiena revealed that he is putting up for auction the customised shoes he wore during the competition. (Photo: June Navaro/ Inquirer Sports)
In a quick dialogue with the press, Obiena revealed that he is putting up for auction the customised shoes he wore during the competition. (Photo: June Navaro/ Inquirer Sports)
1 / 2
Obiena has always been vocal about his financial and logistical struggles as a Filipino athlete. On February 8, the pole vaulter took to Facebook to explain why he did not participate in the Adian Indoor Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan, which is one of his supposed indoor season highlights.
The lack of monetary support for niche sports athletes has been one of his biggest woes. In the post, Obiena explains that his team has not been paid for over a year. “Payments are caught up in red tape. Unfortunately, some of my team are now threatening to leave Team Obiena [and] I cannot blame them. Who would work free for over a year? They have families to support and bills to pay. I am losing the team I desperately need. Nobody wins alone,” he expressed.
Related: Mary Francine Padios Wins Philippines‘ First Gold at 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi
Above Ernest John Obiena (PHL) during World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze, Orlen Cup 2023 in Lodz, Poland on February 4, 2023. (Photo by Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ernest John Obiena (PHL) during World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze, Orlen Cup 2023 in Lodz, Poland on February 4, 2023. (Photo by Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
1 / 1
The shoes’ value may increase in 2024 if Obiena takes another title as the first Filipino pole vaulter to place on the Olympic podium.
NOW READ
Pole Vaulter Ej Obiena Sets New PHL Indoor Record
Hidilyn Diaz: Weightlifter Wins The Philippines’ First-Ever Olympic Gold Medal
Hidilyn Diaz: 5 Things You Should Know About The Filipina Olympic Champion
Credits
Images: June Navaro, NurPhoto via Getty Images,
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
