Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, Asia’s top pole vaulter and currently ranked fourth in the world, is taking significant strides in his mission to elevate pole vaulting in the Philippines. Following the successful establishment of his first training facility in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Obiena has unveiled plans for a second state-of-the-art facility in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, marking the next phase of his initiative to nurture homegrown talent.
A Game-Changing Start in Laoag City
The Laoag training center, housed within the newly built 12,000-seat Marcos Stadium, has already become a beacon for aspiring pole vaulters in northern Luzon. The facility represents a pivotal step in making pole vaulting accessible to Filipinos, addressing a long-standing gap in sports infrastructure for this discipline.
Obiena, who personally conducted clinics during his visit to Laoag, emphasized his hands-on approach in mentoring the next generation of athletes.
“This is my first attempt to teach our young athletes how to ‘fish’ for medals,” the Asian champion shared. “I believe in investing in our youth and the greatness that resides in every Filipino, in every corner of the Philippines. Let this be simply the beginning.”
Expansion to Mindanao: A Vision for Nationwide Growth
Building on the success of the Laoag facility, Obiena is now setting his sights on Mindanao. The upcoming facility in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, underscores his commitment to decentralizing sports development in the Philippines. This expansion aims to provide aspiring athletes in southern regions with the same opportunities to train and excel in pole vaulting.
Obiena highlighted the importance of creating accessible, high-quality infrastructure to unlock the potential of local talent.
“I believe this is an Olympic sport Filipinos can excel in,” Obiena said, expressing his optimism about the country’s prospects on the global stage. He reiterated his ultimate goal of securing the Philippines’ first Olympic medal in pole vaulting, while stressing that grassroots development is key to achieving this vision.
Fostering a New Generation of Champions
Obiena’s initiative is a trailblazing effort in Philippine sports, particularly in pole vaulting, a discipline that has long lacked dedicated resources and support. The Laoag facility is only the beginning, as Obiena envisions a network of similar training centers across the country.
“This is about fostering more participation in the sport,” he explained. “If we want to elevate the nation’s chances of success, we need to give our young athletes the tools and opportunities to dream big and compete on the world stage.”
Legacy Beyond Medals
While his sights remain set on Olympic glory, Obiena’s broader vision reflects his desire to leave a lasting legacy for Philippine athletics. By investing in infrastructure and mentoring young athletes, he aims to inspire a culture of excellence and perseverance, proving that Filipinos can excel in disciplines traditionally dominated by other nations.
With the Tagum City facility on the horizon and more projects in the pipeline, Obiena’s efforts signal a new era for Philippine pole vaulting—one where dreams take flight, one leap at a time.
