EJ Obiena

When 4th Place Feels Like Winning: EJ Obiena's Olympic Journey!

EJ Obiena's heart-wrenching near-miss for a medal at the Paris Olympics has everyone on the edge of their seats! Can a fourth-place finish be a reason to celebrate?

In the thrilling world of athletics, few events garner as much excitement as pole vaulting. For Filipino standout EJ Obiena, the 2024 Paris Olympics presented an opportunity that felt like destiny. With bated breath, fans across the Philippines watched as Obiena soared through the air in the men’s pole vault finals, hopeful for that elusive Olympic medal that has been just out of reach for the nation for over eight decades. With each attempt, the anticipation grew, and so did the heartbreak as Obiena finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium with a best height of 5.90 meters.

Despite his fierce determination and incredible training, Obiena just couldn’t clear the 5.95 meters required to secure a medal. As he exited the field, tears filled his eyes, and the weight of his near-miss settled heavily on his shoulders. "Sports is life," he said, reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions accompanying the highs and lows of his journey. This event marks an aching continuation of the Philippines' chicken-or-egg dilemma for Olympic medals, especially in athletics, as the nation has not secured one since the bronze medal victory in the 400m by Miguel White nearly 88 years ago.

Nevertheless, EJ’s journey in Paris was also a moment of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Sharing the field with top pole vaulters like Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, Obiena showed that even in competition, bonds of respect are formed. With athletes pushing each other to new heights, it’s a reminder that every leap is not just about the medals, but also about the friends made along the way. The thrill of competing under the Olympic banner, with all eyes watching, and the spirit of sportsmanship are invaluable experiences.

As the dust settles on the Paris Games, the heart of Philippine sports continues to beat stronger than ever, fueled by the tenacity of young athletes like EJ Obiena. Who knows what the future holds? Obiena is still quite young, and his unwavering passion for the pole vault reset nears the horizon. Fun fact: Did you know that pole vaulting has changed significantly over the years? Today’s vaulting pole is made of fiberglass, making it lighter and more flexible than the traditional materials used in the early 1900s. Also, another little-known aspect is that the Philippines is home to more than 7,100 islands—so training conditions vary widely, and it's mindblowing how much talent can rise amidst such diversity!