[EXCLUSIVE] The golden moment of EJ Obiena at the first-ever Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge was more than just a victory for Philippine athletics—it was a glimpse of what the future of the sport could be, if given the right opportunities.
For Emerson Obiena, EJ’s father and a former national pole vaulter himself, the win was proof of resilience. But more importantly, it was a reminder of what young Filipino vaulters need most: more competitions.
“Ensayo kasi okay eh, pero kung hindi mo sila nagagamit sa laro, iba pa rin ‘yung nagko-compete ka,” Emerson told DZRHTV in an exclusive interview.
“Gagawin mo ‘yung kailangan mong gawin para manalo, so ‘yung lakas na hindi mo alam minsan, pagdating ng competition lalabas ‘yan, and you can gain confidence from that. That’s still also a part of training ng mga bata para makapag-build ng confidence. Tumapang sila. So, ‘yun ang panawagan ko—more competition like this.”
The call comes at the heels of EJ’s golden finish in Makati City, where he soared past 5.80 meters—matching his season best despite still managing the aftershocks of injuries.
Emerson admitted he was uncertain of his son’s form going into the event, but the win showed EJ’s ability to fight through adversity.
“Noon pa man ay proud na ako talaga sa kanya. Coming in sa laro na ito, hindi ako sigurado kung anong kondisyon niya kasi hindi pa naman masasabing hundred percent siya based sa mga injuries niya before… Ngayong nakita ko ‘yung ginawa niya, I think nakatulong din ‘yon para makuha niya ‘yung kumpiyansa niya,” he said.
Even as a father and mentor, Emerson shared that his role during EJ’s struggles was not about overloading him with technical advice, but simply checking on his mindset and well-being. Injuries, he said, can leave lasting mental scars.
“Minsan sumusumpong, alam niyo ‘yung trauma ng injury na kahit sabihin nating okay na, may inhibition pa rin. And then isa ‘yan sa problema ng mga atleta—when you push yourself to the limit, minsan injury comes along then you have to recover,” Emerson explained.
“Pero maganda naman ‘yung tapos ng season niya. He was able to clear 5.80 meters again. Hopefully he stays healthy and recover again para makapag-compete ulit ng maganda.”
Beyond EJ’s achievement, Emerson reflected on how Sunday’s event symbolized the realization of a long-held dream for Philippine pole vaulting.
“It was a dream nung atleta pa ako. Ang hirap maisakatuparan pero maraming salamat sa mga sumusuporta kay EJ, and itong matagal na naming pangarap ay natuloy rin sa wakas. Of course, thank you very much kay Ayala at sa iba pang sponsors, nagsama-sama sila para mabuo lang itong project na ito,” he said.
