The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) expects that EJ Obiena will continue to reach higher heights after becoming the first Filipino pole vaulter to clear the six-meter mark.
Obiena set a new national record, Asian record, and personal best after clearing the six meter mark to win the gold medal in the 2023 Berjen Jump Challenge on Saturday, June 10, in Bryggen, Norway,
"We are happy and proud of EJ for becoming the first Asian athlete to join the 6-meter club in the men’s pole vault," PATAFA president Terry Capistrano said on Monday, June 12.
Capistrano described Obiena as an 'extremely gifted athlete'.
The PATAFA chief also said that the association believes that Obiena 'can do better in the coming months and beyond knowing what he’s capable of as a world class athlete'.
"But we know he is capable of doing better because of his continuous training and competing abroad under veteran coach Vitaly Petrov plus his perseverance," Capistrano remarked
"There is still a lot of work to be done in order for him to get to where he should be. He has been working hard and smart to get to 6-m," he added.
In a Facebook post, Obiena also admitted that he still has a lot of work, and a long season ahead of him.
"Still a lot of work ahead and still a long season. Just happy and proud to be part of the 6m Club," the 27-year old Asian record-holder stressed.
Obiena will see action in the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships on July 12 to 16 in Pattaya, Thailand and the World Athletics Championships on August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
