Filipino Olympian and world no. 2 pole vaulter, EJ Obiena, is singularly focused on capturing a medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics, driven by a resolute desire to achieve podium success. After a disappointing outcome at the Tokyo Olympics, where he narrowly missed a medal, Obiena is leveraging his gained experience and heightened determination to aim for top honors in Paris.
Despite the attractive incentives for Olympic medalists, including a $50,000 cash prize for athletics gold medalists and additional rewards like P10 million and a house and lot for Filipino champions as per Republic Act 10699, Obiena remains unfazed. His primary motivation is clear, as he expressed in a recent interview, “If I’m being honest, that doesn’t make me feel different. I really just want that medal.”
As he prepares for the Paris Games, Obiena is scheduled to participate in seven more competitions, which will serve as crucial stepping stones towards his Olympic goal. He acknowledges the fierce competition, especially from world no. 1 Armand Duplantis, but remains confident in his ability to perform under pressure and excel when it counts.
Obiena, the first Filipino to qualify for the Paris Games, is part of a growing roster of over ten Filipino athletes set to compete in Paris, each carrying the hopes of a nation eager for Olympic glory.