A Journey to the Paris Olympics: EJ Obiena’s Preparations

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is a pole vaulter who was born on November 17, 1995 and raised in Tondo, Manila. He is a student at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) currently studying electronics engineering but is currently on leave to focus on pursuing his Olympic dream.

It's not a surprise that EJ Obiena has a natural talent for sports because of his parents. Born to Emerson Obiena and Jeanette Uy, both of whom are track and field athletes, Obiena has received continuous support and motivation from his parents from an early age. In fact, his father also served as his first coach, accompanying him to practice and competitions at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as a kid.

However, EJ Obiena didn't get into pole vaulting right away. Because his elementary school did not have a pole vaulting program, he joined the track team, competing in hurdling events until his college days. He continued training for pole vaulting even when not participating in competitions to hone his skills and ensure that he stayed in tip-top shape.

The hard work of EJ Obiena has allowed him to achieve great feats in his chosen sport. One of his most remarkable achievements is getting the second-highest position in the men's pole vault world ranking. He rose to this ranking last July 2023, surpassing American Chris Nilsen, when he garnered 1,432 ranking points.

Aside from being a highly ranked pole vaulter in the world ranking, Obiena also made history on June 10, 2023 when he became the first Asian pole vaulter to conquer the six-meter mark at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway. His remarkable feat not only secured victory but also showcased his exceptional talent, inspiring a generation of aspiring athletes across Asia.

The talented athlete also solidified his dominance in the sport, clinching his third consecutive Southeast Asian Games title in style. Setting a new meet record of 5.65m at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 9, 2023, he showcased unparalleled skill and determination, further cementing his status as a pole vaulting phenomenon.

EJ Obiena also showcased his unparalleled prowess at the Asian Championships, clinching multiple gold medals. His crowning achievement came with a new meet record of 5.91m on July 16, 2023, solidifying his status as a pole vaulting legend.

Aside from setting records for himself, Obiena also makes sure to bring honor to the country. On September 30, he etched his name in Philippine sports history by securing the nation's first gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games.

In addition to his achievements in pole vaulting, EJ Obiena has made history by becoming the first Filipino to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He accomplished this feat by participating in the Wanda Diamond League’s Bauhaus Galan meet in Stockholm, Sweden. This is where EJ Obiena cleared a 5.82-meter jump on July 2, 2023. Although he wasn't able to get the gold medal in this competition, getting the chance to join the Olympics for a second time is a much bigger achievement for any athlete.

Upon qualifying for the Olympics once again, EJ Obiena knew that he wanted to bring glory to the country just as Hidilyn Diaz did in Tokyo in the last Olympics. He also aims to redeem himself, after failing to clear the 5.80-meter jump in three attempts and ending his Tokyo Olympics campaign in the 11th place.

Now, with more experience, EJ Obiena holds big hopes for his next Olympics stint. Seeing how Filipinos can dominate their sport, inspired by Diaz, he promises to do his best to go all the way and snatch another Olympic gold for the Philippines.

To gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, EJ Obiena will go through meticulous preparation to guarantee success. His journey begins with a rigorous training regimen spread across four camps in Europe, each tailored to address specific facets of his athleticism. He will visit La Nucia, Spain, Padava, Italy, and Formia, Italy, where he can use cutting-edge facilities that will help fine-tune his pole vaulting technique to perfection.

Further enhancing his preparations, he will also embark on a transformative training stint in the United States, exposing himself to diverse coaching methodologies and intensifying his conditioning. He will do all these under the tutelage of legendary Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov, who has a wealth of experience and expertise in elite athletics.

Moreover, Obiena prioritizes holistic development, collaborating with a team of experts including physiotherapists, osteopaths, and psychologists. This comprehensive approach ensures not only physical peak performance but also mental resilience, fortifying Obiena for the demanding challenges ahead on the grand Olympic stage.

For EJ Obiena, Allianz serves as a crucial ally in his Olympic journey, offering support beyond the arena. Partnering with Allianz allows him to have peace of mind knowing his future is financially protected, regardless of the outcome of his competitions.

As a worldwide Olympic and Paralympic insurance partner, Allianz has a rich history of supporting athletes. Our partnership with the Paralympic spans more than a decade, starting in 2006. We decided to start an eight-year collaboration with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in 2021 to provide better protection to athletes regardless of their disciplines.

We achieve our main goal by providing comprehensive insurance plans tailored to the unique needs of athletes, offering financial security and peace of mind as they pursue their Olympic dreams. From health insurance to travel coverage, Allianz ensures athletes can focus on their training and competition without worrying about unexpected setbacks. With personalized insurance solutions, we safeguard Obiena's well-being and future, allowing him to pursue his passion for pole vaulting with confidence and determination.