EJ Obiena

EJ Obiena Athlete of Year 3rd Year in a row

Ernest Obiena for the third year in a row is the Male Athlete of the Year for Pinoyathletics in 2020.

Obiena is still the only qualifier for Philippines Athletics to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

While no major championships were held in 2020. EJ became not just the first Filipino athlete to compete at the Diamond League but also taking a bronze medal at Monaco and Rome where he was just 1 cm off his Personal best.

He rubbed shoulders with some of the worlds best athletes including Mondo Duplantis.

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Pinoyathletics Men’s Athlete of the Year Previous Winners

• 2012 Rene Herrera
• 2013 Eric Cray
• 2014 Eric Cray
• 2015 Eric Cray
• 2016 Eric Cray
• 2017 Trenten Beram
• 2018 Ernest Obiena
• 2019 Ernest Obiena
• 2020 Ernest Obiena

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Poznan Poland

Fresh from his win in Ostrava. EJ Obiena will next compete in Poznan, Poland.  Tonight 11 September 2020 at the Grand Prix.

This time he will be up against World Record Holder Mondo Duplantis of Sweden, as well as world champion Sam Kendricks of the United States, Olympic Champion and training partner Thiago Braz of Brazil, and world indoor champion Pawel Wojiechowksi of Poland. 

The Men’s Pole Vault at Poznan will start at 4 Pm in Poland, 10 pm in the Philippines Time. 

(Updates Credited: To Peter Paul Patrick Lucas of News Radyo Philippines)

All that Glitters EJ Obiena Ostrava Grand Prix Gold in Pole Vault

September 8, Ostrava, Czech Republic

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Despite the disappointments of a rained out Golden Roof Challenge at Innsbruck, Austria. It was straight on the road for Ernest Obiena and his hard-working Ukrainian Coach Vitaliy Petrov.

This time it was to the Czech Republic for the Diamond League.

EJ Obiena beat a class field at the Golden Spike Tour at Ostrava, Czech Republic. Winning on countback over Former World Record Holder Renaud Lavillenie of France.

The win marked the first Time a Filipino athlete has won a Grand Prix at this level in Athletics.

EJ last month became the first athlete to ever place in the Diamond League when he captured third place in Monaco.

The win for EJ with a 5.74m was a season-best improving on the 5.70m at Monaco.

And just outside his 5.81m PB set last year in a street meet.  

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Very Quality Field for EJ Obiena

If that wasn’t enough what about Sam Kendricks the 2019 World Champion who was third in 5.64m, or Thiago Braz of Brazil the Olympic Champion and EJ’s training partner 4th in 5.64m.

Braz had recently won over EJ in the world’s finest Pole Vault meet. Pawel of Poland and Matt Ludwig of the USA who had competed with EJ in the world’s finest Pole Vault meet were also there Pawel 6th and Matt Ludwig failing to register a jump. 

Only missing from the meet was world leader Mondo Duplantis who had Won the Stockholm, Sweden edition in 6.07m.

Quite an exciting clash to come up with EJ to take on the world record holder perhaps at the next Diamond League meet in Rome on September 17.

EJ has already cleared the 5.80 Olympic qualifyings with 5.81. But he would like to jump over 5.80m this year and jump over 6.00m next year.

EJ Obiena Performance Progress
Performance Event Placing Year

1. 5.81m Pole Vault Meeting, Chiari GOLD 3 Sept 2019
2. 5.76m Universiade Napoli GOLD 12 July 2019
3. 5.71m Asian Championships, Doha  GOLD  21 Apr 2019
4. 5.61m Leuveksen, Germany 4th 27-Jul-17
5. 5.55m Singapore Open 1st 19-Apr-16
6. 5.50m National Open, Pasig 1st 9-Apr-16
7. 5.47m PNG, Pasig 1st 14-Mar-16
8. 5.40m  Asian Indoor, Doha, Qatar 4th  (National Indoor Record) 20-Feb-16
9. 5.46m UAAP, Pasig 1st 18-Feb-16
10. 5.45m Weekly Relays, Pasig 1st 27-Sep-15
11. 5.40m Thailand Open, Rangsit 1st 7-Sep-15
12. 5.30m International Busan June-15
13. 5.25m Taipei Open, 2nd 15-May-15
14. 5.21m Weekly Relays, Pasig 28-Apr-2014
15. 5.20m Singapore Open, 2014
16. 5.15m Weekly Relays, Pasig
17. 5.10m Weekly Relays, Pasig
18. 5.06m Weekly Relays, Pasig
19. 5.05m Weekly Relays, Pasig
20. 5.01m Weekly Relays, Pasig
21. 5.00m Taipei indoor 7th 26-Mar-14 (Tied National Record)
22. 4.95m Weekly Relay 1st Sept 28, 2013
23. 4.90m Thailand Open 2nd Sept 3-6,2013
24. 4.90m Hong Kong 1st June 29-30,2013
25. 4.90m Singapore Track & field series 1st Feb. 15-16, 2013
26. 4.75m Singapore open 2nd June 15-16, 2013
27. 4.54m PNG 1st May 28-June2, 2013
28. 4.50m Uaap 1st Dec. 4,2012
29. 4.45m Weekly Relay 1st 24-Nov-12
30. 4.42m FCAAF 1st February 16-17, 2012
31. 4.41m MTaipei indoor 2nd March 27, 2012
32. 4.31m FCAAF 1st April 4-5,2012
33. 4.20m Weekly Relay 1st 2011
34. 4.05m Asean School Singapore 7th July 1-7, 2011
35. 3.70m Palarong Pambansa 2nd 27-Apr-11
36. 4.00m Taipei indoor March 2011
37. 3.20m Palarong Pambansa 2nd April 11-17, 2010
38. 3.00m Nantou , 2009 (first international meet)

Who is the Worlds Finest Pole Vaulter Live Stream

EJ Obiena ended up second at the World’s Finest Pole Vaulter meet. An online event organized by James Michael Lafferty CEO of Fine Hygienic Holding.

It was held on the 17th of August.

Late entry Thiago Braz the Olympic Champion netted a $10,000 prize pool

With each participant winning a significant cash prize which would go a long way to helping towards their training. Braz also set a season-best of 5.70m.

After 3 fails at 5.80m.

But the surprise 2016 Olympic Champion was still a while away from his 6.03m Personal best.

Braz training partner Ernest Obiena of the Philippines took silver in 5.60m.

Thiago Braz znad EJ Obiena‘

“We wanted to help the guys out with Training. We will are be looking at doing a women’s event for this and holding this event for Men again next year. Its all about connections if we had 4-mile runners willing to do this we would definitely consider putting it on” said Jim Lafferty in an interview with Pinoyathletics.

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Results (competition not IAAF certified)

1. Thiago Braz (Brazil) 5.70m (seasons best)
2. Ernest Obiena (Philippines) 5.60m
3. Matt Ludwig (USA) 5.50m
4. Pawel Wojciechowski (POL) 5.40m

Obiena takes third at Diamond League

August 15, 2020

Obiena took third place at the Monaco Diamond League last night.

Obiena finished third behind World Record Holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden who dominated the meet with the first 6.00m leap of 2020. 

Belgian Ben Broeders who took Bronze behind  EJ at the 2019  World University Games cleared 5.70m on his first attempt took second ahead of EJ Obiena.

EJ cleared 5.70m on his second attempt. He finished 3rd of 6 competitors and ahead of training partner and Olympic Champion Thiago Braz who wound up 5th in 5.50m.

 

“I would be happy with a 70 (5.70m) or 80 (5.80m). I know I am capable of even a 5.80 right now” said EJ 2weeks ago in an online interview hosted by Pinoyathletics regarding his chances at this meet. EJ PB is 5.81m.

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EJ who had competed on the Diamond League circuit last year is coached by Ukrainian coach Vitaliy Petrov. The Coach of Sergei Bubka. Bubka who lives in Monaco these days was there for a reunion of sorts with Petrov and Obiena.

*Please note any media wishing to use this or any articles on our website must provide a citation to Pinoyathletics.

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EJ Obiena Open with 5.45m at Trieste

Ernest Obiena had his first jump of 2020 with a 5.45m Leap at the 13th Trievneto International Meeting in Trieste Italy with a 5.45m jump.

He took second place behind his training partner defending Olympic Champion Thiago Braz of Brazil who registered 5.50m. 

Obiena and Braz are coached by the legendary Vitaly Petrov (who mentored Sergey Bubka). 

Obiena is the only Filipino Track and Field athlete so far to qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with a 5.81m leap he is one of 21 athletes who have qualified outright for 32 slots.

He is also the reigning World University Games and Asian Champion in Pole Vault. SEA Games Champion, SEA Record Holder, and SEA Games Record Holder.

Obiena’s next meet will be the Diamond League at Monaco on August 14.

*Please note any media wishing to use this or any articles on our website must provide a citation to Pinoyathletics.

Pos.	Bib	Athlete	Year	Cat.		Mark	Points
1	102	BRAZ Thiago	1993	M	BRA BRAZIL	5.50
4.70 4.90 5.05 5.15 5.25 5.35 5.45 5.50 5.55 5.60 5.65 5.70   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   XXO   –   –   XX-   X
2	107	OBIENA John Ernest	1995	M	PHI PHILIPPINES	5.45
4.70 4.90 5.05 5.15 5.25 5.35 5.45 5.50 5.55 5.60   –   –   –   –   O   –   XO   –   XX-   X
3	105	MANDUSIC Max	1998	M	ITA ITALY	5.35
					TRIESTE ATLETICA
4.70 4.90 5.05 5.15 5.25 5.35 5.45 5.50   –   –   O   O   –   XO   XX-   X
4	108	RENNER Robert	1994	M	SLO SLOVENIA	5.25
4.70 4.90 5.05 5.15 5.25 5.35   –   –   O   –   XO   XXX
5	103	DE ANGELIS Ivan	2001	M	ITA ITALY	5.15
					G.A. FIAMME GIALLE
4.70 4.90 5.05 5.15 5.25   –   XO   –   O   XXX
6	104	MADRASSI Matteo	1999	M	ITA ITALY	4.90
					ATLETICA MALIGNANI LIBERTAS UD
4.70 4.90 5.05   O   O   XXX
7	106	MIANI Matteo	1993	M	ITA ITALY	4.70
					ASSINDUSTRIA SPORT PADOVA
4.70 4.90   O   XXX
	109	SINNO Alessandro	1994	M	ITA ITALY	NM
					C.S. AERONAUTICA MILITARE

Pinoyathletics Exclusive Media Partner on August 17 for Who is the best Vaulter online event? Livestreamed on

www.facebook.com/pinoyathletics

Ernest Obiena Competes

• Aug 14 Diamond League Monaco
• Aug 17 Who is the best Pole Vaulter? Online Challenge

“Who is the FINEest Pole Vaulter in the World” Competition

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Talking Points

1. I am very excited to be one of the participants in “Who is the FINEest Pole Vaulter in the World”
   competition, which is organized and sponsored by Fine Hygienic Holding, the leading wellness
   the group in the Middle East and North Africa region. 
2. The timing of the competition is just right.
3. Just like everybody else in this world, I have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result of that lots of major sports events have been postponed like the Tokyo Olympics.
4. Earlier this year, Fine launched its Fine Guard face mask that is protected by a Swiss technology called Livinguard, which kills germs including Coronavirus, and when the company felt the need for sportspeople to stay protected while exercising and competing, it has developed a special
5. sports face mask. It’s made from comfortable and very easy to breathe through material that
   incorporates the same innovative technology. It can be washed and reused, and it remains
   effective in killing viruses for one year. This also helps preserve the environment!
6.  It’s true that the pandemic has impacted almost all aspects of life including sports but people
   are hungry for sports events, in particular live ones, and Fine is giving fanatics across the globe
   the chance to watch pole vaulters as they compete live without any fee while sitting at home.
7. The pandemic can bring us down, and what Fine is doing is motivating people and encouraging
   them to keep their spirits up. On a personal level, this competition is a great booster and it’s an
   excellent platform for me to actually compete and prepare for the upcoming sports event
   (mention name of competition), let alone the fact that we are going to get a monetary prize.
8. I will be competing against another two world champs. It’s not going to be easy but I am all up
   for it.
9. The first-place winner will receive $ 20,000 and this is a generous amount. Second and third
   places will get $ 15,000 and $ 10,000 consecutively.
10. One final message I would like to give is that we all need to be strong. This pandemic is a
    universal thing.
    up.
11.  I encourage you all to watch this competition on August 17 at 9 am US Eastern Standard Time.
    Visit finestvaulters.com to learn more and stay tuned!

“I would like to join all of the Diamond League meets as all of the top guys are on the circuit. And that’s who I need to compete against to get better” -EJ Obiena.

Profile:

• Born: 17th November 1995
• College: the University of Santo Tomas (previously Ateneo De Manila)
• Coach: Vitaly Petrov and Emerson Obiena
• Philippine Team 2014 Onwards

Ernest John Obiena is Filipino Pole Vaulter.

He holds all four major national Pole Vault records.

He has broken the Philippine National Record 16 times. Also holding the National Record at 5.71m and the National Indoor Record at 5.40m.

Also holding the National Junior Record 5.21m, and National Junior Indoor Record at 5.00m.

He also holds the Asian Athletics meet record and SEA and SEA Games Records also.

Also, Ernest John Obiena is the first Filipino that has been given a scholarship from the International Athletic Association Federation (IAAF).

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EJ Obiena Sporting career

Obiena’s father, Emerson serves as his coach. Also formerly served as the former Athletics national team member.

In early 2014, for three months, Obiena with his father was given an opportunity to train under coach Vitaly Petrov in Formia, Italy.

First of all, Vitaly had previously coached Sergey Bubka. As a result of this on July 20, 2014, at the PATAFA weekly relays held at the PhilSports Football and Athletics Stadium.

Hence Obiena broke the national record for pole vault by registering 5.01 meters.

The previous record was 5.0 meters by Edward Lasquete at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Consequently, the junior national record was also broken, since Obiena at that time is 18 years old. While the previous record was 4.31 set three years ago.

Most noteworthy he later broke his own record several times in 2014 alone (5.05, 5.05, 5.15, 5.20, 5.21).

Hence by the time Obiena became ineligible for the national junior record, the record was 5.21 which Obiena set himself.

Therefore in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, Obiena won a silver medal with a leap of 5.25 meters, that time his’ personal record.

In addition, Obiena won a gold medal in the 2016 Philippine National Games Finals in Lingayen, Pangasinan after breaking a new personal record (5.47 meters).

While having problems with a broken pole.

EJ set a new Filipino Record in Singapore Open 2015.

The Big Highlight came through when Obiena leaped 5.50m to capture the Bronze medal for the Philippines at the Asian Championships.

The first medal to ever be won for the Philippines in the Pole Vault at Asian level. At Leuvesken, Germany he increased the Filipino record again to 5.61m.

This mark was just 9cm off the Olympic 5.70m qualifying mark.

EJ who just missed out on 2016 selection, will be 24 when the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo roar around.

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EJ Obiena Article

I am a filipino vaulter who has a dream to become a world class athlete. I am currently the National Indoor record holder and i have equalled the highest vault of a filipino which is 5.00 meters. I am aiming to qualify and join the World Juniors Championship this coming July in Eugene, Oregon

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Hi! I am Ernest John Obiena 18 years old. I am from Manila, Philippines. My Goal is to Qualify for the upcoming World Juniors Championship.

While under my father’s supervision, I was able to clear 5m in Nan-tou International Pole Vault Championship this year.

Also, I placed 7th out of 26 competitors, which came from Taiwan, Malaysia, USA, China, Japan, Australia, and Thailand.

Consequently, my performance set a new record both for the National Junior indoor Record and National Men Indoor Record.

While my goal is to clear 5.05m officially before July 2014 to be the first homegrown Filipino to qualify and represent our country in the World Juniors Championship in Eugene, Oregon USA.

Since usually we are sending “token athletes” in the World Junior Championship because we have not yet hit the qualifying standard.

Because my Personal Record as of now is 5.00m, which is just 5cm (2”) of the standard set by the World Juniors Championship committee.

Also, I had been clearing this height at times during training.

Because I have to do it officially in an IAAF recognized competitions and clear 5.05 officially.

Hence Since June 2013 up to the present, the only Track Oval with pole vault facility (Pasig, Ultra) in metro manila is not available for use.

Due to ongoing renovations.

Because of this Pole Vaulting was able to continue and progress.

Furthermore, on January 12, 2014, I met the World Record Holder in my event, which is Mr. Sergey Bubka.

Mr. Bubka said the I should apply for the Olympic B project that the IAAF is offering for athletes like me.

Also, he encouraged my coach/father to join so that he could learn more and continue my training after the program in Italy.

Hence with God’s blessing, I was able to clear 5m, Became I was eligible for the program, and was offered a 90 days scholarship to train in Formia, Italy.

While unfortunately my coach/father has to shoulder all his expenses in joining me.

Consequently, the program offered by the IAAF would be a big help for us to prepare for the upcoming World Juniors Championship.

And we can apply the additional knowledge we learned and help improve Pole Vaulting furthermore in our country.

Also, I am humbly asking for your generosity by helping us to save money for my father/coach’s Plane Ticket, Accommodation, Food, and Transpo. Consequently, The total amount (7300) will cover the 90-day of stay in Formia, Italy under Vitaly Petrov the coach of Mr. Sergey Bubka.

First of all this Opportunity is very rare and I am most grateful that I was picked among others to join this program. Also, this would help me accomplish my goal to represent my country in world-class competition.

Thank you very much for reading.

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Olympics: EJ Obiena trains in Italy despite COVID-19 threat

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, one of the Filipino athletes who already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Is on track with his training in Italy despite the continuing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Italy is one of the COVID-19 hotspots with over 4,000 deaths due to the virus.

Fortunately, Obiena has located hundreds of miles away from the badly hit northern Italy.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/03/21/20/olympics-ej-obiena-trains-in-italy-despite-covid-19-threat

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Tokyo 2020 Olympics-bound EJ Obiena hasn’t joined a major competition yet this year due to the cancellation of several sports events

NO TOURNEYS. EJ Obiena waits for the start of his pole vaulting season as Europe is put on lockdown. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The escalating corona virus pandemic has greatly affected the Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations of Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena. With the cancellation of several sports events.

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“It’s a bit nerve-wracking [since I] haven’t been able to compete, but we have contingency plans if things do go south,” Obiena told Rappler.

Full Article Here

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The dream that matters most for EJ Obiena

“My target in Tokyo is gold. Not impossible, but very difficult,’’. Obiena told the Inquirer during a break in training with renowned Ukranian coach Vitaly Petrov in Formia, Italy.

The 24-year-old son of the Philippines’ former pole vault idol Emerson Obiena.

Dreamed of victory in the 2019 Asian Athletics Championship in Doha, Qatar.

It came true.

Shortly after, another gold came at the 2019 Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy, with a new national record of 5.76 meters.

Just two months after the Universiade, Obiena secured the Tokyo berth by clearing 5.81 meters and surpassing the qualifying standard of 5.80 by a hair.

So to speak, in a tournament in Chiara, Italy, last Sept. 3.

Full Article Here

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Pinoyathletics Male Athlete of the Year

For the second year in a row, The Tall Skinny Guy Ernest Obiena – EJ Obiena has run off with the most coveted MVP award the Pinoyathletics athlete of the year. Forget the PSA Sports Writer awards we actually do our research.

In addition, Ernest Obiena’s achievements might not fit on one screen. Olympic Qualifier, SEA Record, SEA Games Record, SEA Games Gold, World University Games Champion, Asian Champion, Asian Championship meet record, National Record, Qualified and competed at worlds.

In conclusion a tough decision due to the high number of Golds and National Record set in Men’s. However, EJ as the only Olympic qualifier and with two major titles seems like the most logical choice.

In addition, Fil-Heritage athlete Willie Morrison who set a new Phi Record in the Shotput, and won the first SEA Games Gold in Shotput in the events history was runnerup. Morrison whose PB is 20.40m is aiming to better the 21.10m standard for the Tokyo Olympics. 

Therefore, Veteran Eric Cray who was the MVP from 2013-2016 took 3rd spot. In conclusion, defending his SEA Games title for the 4th time and going down as the greatest ever athlete in 400 Hurdles in SEA Games History.

It was a tough call with Clinton Bautista, Melvin Calano, and Aries Toledo also winning golds at SEA Games and Lilly Carter breaking the Phi Record in 800m also performed strongly in 2019.

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Winner – Ernest Obiena  (Pole Vault)

2. Willie Morrison (Shotput)

3. Eric Cray (400 Hurdles) 

Honorable Mention: Clinton Kingsley Bautista (Hurdles), Melvin Calano (Javelin), Aries Toledo (Decathlon), Carter Lilly (800m)

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Pinoyathletics Men’s Athlete of the Year Previous Winners

• 2012 Rene Herrera
• 2013 Eric Cray
• 2014 Eric Cray
• 2015 Eric Cray
• 2016 Eric Cray
• 2017 Trenten Beram
• 2018 Ernest Obiena
• 2019 Ernest Obiena

Report on 2018 Athlete of the Year

Capas, Tarlac

EJ Obiena celebrates his maiden golden victory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Photo by: Dominic Canonizado/Sagisag PH

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EJ Finally gets his Gold

Ernest John Obiena in his 4th SEA Games finally claimed the SEA Games Gold medal (Dec 7. 2019) setting the SEA Games record at 5.45m.

Not bad at all for a tall skinny guy.

In contrast Obiena who already had won the 2019 Asian Championship and 2019 World University Games Championship.

And competed at worlds and qualified for the Olympics. The Gold was the 3rd for Philippine Athletics after Hallasgo and Knott in women’s Marathon and 200m.

He had been eluded by years of the SEA Games title. His first SEA Games in Myanmar in 2013 then only 17 years of age he wound up fourth.

In 2015 he took silver in Singapore behind Pooranot of Thailand.

In 2017 he looked sure of gold but a leg injury in training the night before he was due to fly off robbed him of the chance to represent the Philippines.

EJ Obiena celebrates his maiden golden victory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Photo by: Dominic Canonizado/Sagisag PH

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SEA Games Record

Still, the 23-year-old did not give up and won very comfortably over his old nemesis Pooranot with a leap and new SEA Games record of 5.45m.

Despite being far from his SEA, National Record and Olympic qualifying PB of 5.81m.

EJ is the only athlete so far in Philippine Athletics qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics so far with the cut off for qualification being June 30, 2019.

Having secured the win and the SEA Games record.

EJ opted to rest himself up for bigger meets such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next year among others.

And also not putting the SEA Games record up too high so he can break it again in 2 years’ time.

Pooranot took silver in 5.20m, at Iskandar Alwi of Malaysia took bronze at 5.00m.

EJ main opponent Amsam Ang the 2018 Asian Games bronze medallist who has a PB of 5.60m did not join the meet. 

Another youngster Hokett Delos Santos who was the 2018 SEA Youth Champion cleared 4.60m for 5th of the 5 entries.

The young Hokett who is 17 years of age is coached by EJ Father and coach Emerson Obiena.

EJ now is training in Italy with Coach Vitaliy Petrov who was the coach of former world record holder and Olympic and World Champion the Great Sergey Bubka.

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With the Legends

EJ joins the likes of the Great Fil-Heritage athlete Edward Lasquete the first Filipino athlete to reach 5 meters. Who won 3 straight SEA Games titles in 1991, 1993, 1995.

And went to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. And also the somewhat forgotten Chamberlain Gonzales who won the SEA Games title in 1983.

**Apologies News Delayed as we were not granted a media pass by Phigsoc and PSC

Ernest John Obiena became the First Filipino to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. EJ leapt 5.81m at a meet at Chiari, Italy.

In doing so EJ beat the very difficult 5.80m qualifying mark for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

EJ had won the Asian Games in 5.76m, which qualified him for the World Championships which will be staged 27 September to 6 October in Doha, Qatar.

The deadline for the 2019 World Championships is September 6.

And EJ is the sole qualifier with nobody else meeting the qualification standards for the world championships. 

EJ mark of 5.81m was also a SEA Record and National Record.

At the last 3 SEA Games, the gold had eluded EJ. 4th in 2013, Silver in 2015, and out of 2017 due to an injury the week before.

In 2019 EJ goes in well ahead of his nearest Thai Rival the 2018 Asian Games Bronze medalist Patasphong Amsam-Ang who has cleared 5.60m so far this year.

Based on the IAAF Rankings (best performance) EJ is ranked 10th in the world (not the IAAF Top Lists based on 3-5 performances that Pinoyathletics will totally disregard)

Photo Gallery:

30.08.19 EJ Obiena 9th in Prestigious Diamond League Final

Continuing are reporting of the results. Which what we do KEEPING IT REAL!

In addition, here is the result of Ernest Obiena in the diamond league Final Aug 27-28 in Zurich Austria.

Finished 9th of 13 in the Diamond League Finals with a 5.58m effort.

Obiena Qualifies for Diamond League Finals

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1 Million Incentive for Winning World University Games?

Meanwhile as Per the Law Phil Act which states 1 million pesos incentive for an athlete who wins a gold medal at a world championship.

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REPUBLIC ACT No. 10699

SECTION 8. Cash Incentives for Athletes. — National athletes and other athletes who are not officially or currently members of the national training pool but who have otherwise represented the country in international sports competitions, who won gold, silver, and bronze medals in international sports competitions shall be entitled to cash incentives in the following amounts:

a. Individual Events

v. One million pesos (PI,000,000.00) for Asian Para Games and World-level competitions held at least every two years with at least forty-five (45) countries participating;

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EJ Obiena scores back-to-back in Italian tilts

By Joey Villar

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MANILA, Philippines — Days after improving the national mark that he himself set.

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena struck gold in the Citta di Padova Atletica Mondiale 2019 at the Stadio Euganeo in Padua, Italy Tuesday night.

Indicating his readiness to do good in the coming Southeast Asian Games.

The 23-year-old Obiena registered 5.55 meters, defeating Greek Theodo Chrysanthopoulos and Argentinian German Pablo Chiaraviglio, who both posted 5.30m.

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/07/18/1935683/ej-obiena-scores-back-back-italian tilts#MWxdOLWzmeCO4gZP.99

Ernest Obiena added his First Global title to his ever-growing repertoire of achievements.

The 23-year-old Asian Athletics champion took the Gold Medal at the World University Games in Napoli, Italy a few hours ago.

The Mark is the first Global Title ever won by a Filipino in athletics.

The performance puts him ahead of the Legendary Lydia De Vega.

EJ Wins First-Ever Global Title in Athletics

EJ Cleared a new Personal Best and southeast Asian Record of 5.76m.

In addition Improving on the 5.71m he had made at the Asian Athletics championships he had made in Doha, Qatar in April this year.

Above all the 5.71 tied the qualifying standard for the World Championships which will also be staged in Doha, Qatar. Which will be staged Sept 27 to Oct 6. 

EJ recent improvement puts him just 4cm away (5.80m) from qualifying for Tokyo Olympics. With qualifying period being May 1st, 2019 – June 29th, 2020.

5.80 was also a magic number as the meet record of Istvan Bagyula (Hungary) set in 1991 was also the meet record.

Torben Blech of Germany took silver in a new PB of 5.76m losing on countback to EJ. While Ben Broeders (Belgium) the 2017 European U23 Champion took the bronze in 5.51m.

EJ is an Engineering Student at UST. He is currently being coached by Vitaliy Petrov. Who was the coach of Former World Record Holder Sergei Bubka.

Ernest Obiena 5.51m in Poland

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Ernest Obiena wins street Padova Pole Vault Meet

Ernest John Obiena clinches the gold in the International Pole Vault Meeting in Padova, Italy registering 5.50m. Salti in Plaza 31.05.2019 a street pole vault meet.

In conclusion, Obiena bested the six-man field including Alione Sene of France and Meditteranean U23 Championship bronze medalist Allesandro Sinno of Italy who took the silver and bronze with an identical effort of 5.30meters.

May 3 Diamond League

23-year-old Ernest Obiena finally had the breakthrough he toiled away so many years to get.

Ernest cleared 5.71m the claiming the gold medal a the Asian Championships. He Upgraded from his bronze medal two years ago in India.

EJ beat a class field which included Two world-class Chinese athletes and also his Thai Tormentor Patsaphong Amsam-Ang who settled for 5th with a season-best of 5.51m.

Two Chinese Zhang Wei the 2015 Asian Champion took Silver and Huang Bokai took the bronze.

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• A New Personal Best improving on his long-standing previous mark set in 2016 in Germany of 5.61m
• An Asian Championship Record
• A southeast Asian Record
• A New Philippines Record

Most noteworthy is the EJ leap of 5.71m was the exact qualification required for the World Championships which will also be in Doha later this year.

EJ will need to climb to 5.80m to Qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo. 

The mark of EJ 5.71m eclipsed the Championship Record of Gregori Yegorov of Kazakhstan who leaped 5.70m in 1993 at the Asian Championships in Manila.

2 years before EJ was born. Yegorov still holds the Asian record at 5.90m.

At the last Asian Champs in 2017, Eric Cray took the Gold in the 400 Hurdles.

Eric is no participating in 400 Hurdles he is running the 100 and 200.

 Mark Harry Diones took silver in Triple Jump last Asian Champs two years ago, he qualified for the Triple Jump Final which is to be played later today.

It was a long journey for EJ who just came back into competition earlier in the year. Sidelined from the 2017 SEA Games due to injury a day before the games.

Above all EJ was helped a lot by Dr. Casuga who came in after the Asian Games to help with EJ’s focus.

But of course, the man behind it all was Coach Vitaly Petrov who guided the Former world record holder and Olympic Champion Sergei Bubka among many others. 

EJ Posted the Following

We got it! Proud to say after all the trouble we have made it happen. It was definitely not easy! It took a lot and felt like hell sometimes.

There have been times that I have lost hope.

There are times that I have been frustrated.

There have been a lot of heartbreaks and pain in this journey.

It was a piece of work, to say the least.

All that was endurable because I have been surrounded by people who believe in me.

This Win is not just for me.

It is for a coach, Vitaliy Petrov who has sacrificed a lot for me and pushed me and still pushing me to become better not just in sports but also in life.

I owe you a lot.

This is for my Family who has been giving me endless support in what I do. 

And for the  were there with me in the doctor’s office when I can’t stand on my two feet, thank you very much  Sir Jim for believing in me and having my back when I needed it.

This is to my ever so patient PT, Marvin, we have made it back.

This is for all my sponsors who have believed in me, NIKE and USANA.

This is to my teammates, Friends, Doctors, everyone who stayed with me thru the hard times.

This is not MY win this is OUR win and I can’t thank you all enough

Ernest Obiena finished behind Thailand’s Patsaphong Amsan-Ang in what would be there the first encounter for 2019.

Ang the 2018 Asian Games Bronze medallist.

At the 2019 Polish Indoor Championships in SZCZECIN, Poland on February 12. Ang finished 9th in 5.26 m, beating rival EJ Obiena who cleared the height in 10th.

However, he won on countback as he cleared on his first height whereas EJ cleared on his 2nd attempt after failing his first.

Piotr Lisek of Poland won in 5.76m on countback with 11 athletes from 8 different countries represented.

Zhang Wei the 2015 Asian Champion from China finished 6th in 5.46m a new season-best.

In addition, Amsam-Ang had his second meet his year with his first leap of 5.20m on February 3, 2019. He is currently training in Poland.

He improved from 5.20 to 5.55m last year. And led the 2018 SEA Rankings.

He will be EJ’s main threat in the 2019 SEA Games.

In contrast, EJ has leaped 4 times this year already.

He leads the 2019 SEA Rankings with 5.40m at the Orlen Cup on February 4.

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• Feb 4 – Orlen Cup (Poland) 5.40m
• Feb 6 – Orlen Copernicus Cup (Poland) 5.28m
• Feb 9 – Linz Indoor Meeting  (Austria) NH
• Feb 12 – Polish Indoor Meet 5.26m

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However Thailand Chayanisa Choemchundee missed the women’s pole vault due to injury. While China’s Li Ling finished 2nd behind Alysha Newman of Canada in the women both clearing 4.63m. Ling is the 2014 and 2018 Asian Games Champion.

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Ernest Obiena 5.40 

Ernest John Obiena leaped 5.40m at the Orlen Cup at Lodz, Poland on Feb 4. Obiena finished 7th place of 10 entries.

His Personal best is 5.61m set in 2016 in Germany. Obiena is currently training in Formia, Italy.

In addition, the 5.40 was a slight improvement on Obiena’s last outing in which he finished 7th at the Asian Games in Jakarta in 5.30m.

Obiena is targetting the gold at the SEA Games in December where he will face the tough challenge of Asian Games bronze medallist Amsam-Ang of Thailand who leapt 5.50m in Jakarta.

The Philippines will host the 2019 SEA Games.

Obiena skips studies to focus on an athletic career

Published January 4, 2019, 10:38 AM

by Nick Giongco

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Pole vaulter EJ Obiena is zeroing in on his career as an athlete by taking a leave of absence from his engineering studies at the University of Santo Tomas, the Philippine Track and Field Association (PATAFA) said.

(EJ Missed UAAP due to missing classes. It’s hard to balance Engineering at UST with elite athletic commitments.

He is expecting to come back to school after a year)

After a disappointing performance in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games where he placed seventh overall.

The 6-2 Obiena wants to make up and make heads turn when the country hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games later in the year.

(EJ leaped 5.30m at Asian Games)

In fact, the Obiena has been training in Doha the past few months under longtime coach Vitaly Petrov of Ukraine.

Who helped guide the likes of Olympic and world champions Sergey Bubka and Yelena Isinbayeva and reigning Olympic champion Thiago Braz da Silva.

Obiena used to spend some time with Petrov in Formia, Italy, but Petrov has relocated to Doha and Obiena had no choice but to follow the revered coach.

(Petrov only went to Doha for a month he is now back training in Formia, Italy)

Obiena’s best leap is 5.61 meters but he hasn’t been doing well as of late but is moving heaven and earth to make a rousing comeback in time for the SEA Games.

(EJ leaped 5.51m earlier in 2018, his PB of 5.61 is from 2016)

In the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, Obiena settled for silver and was a cinch to win the gold two years later when the biennial sports fest was hosted by Singapore.

But on the eve of his departure for Singapore, Obiena suffered an ACL injury that kept him out of the event.

EJ holds the national record of 5.51 meters, a mark superior to the gold medal-winning 5.35 meters registered by Thailand’s Porranot Purahong in the 2017 SEAG.

(Please note for this year the Season Leader in Men’s Pole Vault is a Bronze medalist at Asian Games Patasaphong Amsam-Ang who improved his PB to 5.55m, while we can go off SEA Games Gold Medal in 2017, Amsam-Ang in the meantime has improved from 5.40 to 5.55 in 2018).

**Comments in Red Font

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2018 Asian Games  Ernest John Obiena

Rankings of Philippine Athletes

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• EVENT: Pole Vault
• 2018 Asian Ranking: 7th (4th June)
• SEA Record Holder, Asian Bronze Medalist 2017, SEA Games 2015 Silver  Bouncing back off injury EJ occupied the #1 spot until July. His key opponent will be Changrui Xue of China the defending champion who has leaped 5.71m this year. And has a PB of 5.85m. Furthermore, Xue is a high-quality international athlete finishing 4th in the world in 2017 World Champs.

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Especially relevant is that  EJ target is the 5.75m and the Gold (his PB is 5.61m). Also, Hisyam Hazim of Saudi Arabia who is 20 years old has leaped 5.63m this year.

Most noteworthy Huang Bokai 5.61m and Jie Tao 5.51m (PB 5.61m) both finished ahead of EJ when they last met in Germany.

On recent form the top 4 guys 2 from China, 1 from Korea and Japan have been very consistent over 5.60 as of recently.

PA Predict: Top 5, slight possibility of bronze if in shape to break his PB.

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Ernest John Obiena 5.75m target to win at Asiad

Article By Judith Caringal, DZSR SPORTS RADIO

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Ernest EJ Obiena admits. his 5.51 meter leap at the International Stabboc Meet in Germany is a big step to the goal of winning the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Obiena Seasons Best 5.51m Germany

Ernest Obiena improved his seasons best to 5.51m, with his third ever best jump. Hence the 22-year-old finished 7th in the Himmelssturmer-Cup in Germany over the weekend.

Most noteworthy is that EJ holds the SEA  Record at 5.61m, he also leaped 5.55m in 2016. l of August.

While his next tournament is the JUMP & FLY – 8. Internationales BAXTER Leichtathletikmeeting in Germany on June 30.  In preparation for the Asian Games in August.

While the meet was won by Raphael Holzdeppe of Germany in 5.81m the 2013 World Champion Piotr Lisek of Poland the 2017 World Silver medalist was second in 5.71m.

Also, there were also a couple of Chinese athletes at the meet third place who went to Huang Bokai who leaped 5.61m, bronze medalist at the 2015 Asian Champs. Yao Jie was 5th in 5.51m,

While EJ is ranked 4th in Asia with the 5.51m leap.

Most noteworthy the last Asian Games in 2014 was won 5.55m. So he is looking a very serious medal contender for Asian Games.

Especially relevant China’s Changrui Xue The Asian Games Champion who was 4th in the world champs last year leads with 5.71m.

While Hussein Hisam Al Hizam of Saudi Arabia has leaped 5.63m, 5.60m, and 5.55m.

Yao and Huang of China have both leaped 5.61m.

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Ernest Obiena goes 5.40m in Ostrava

While Coming back from a horrific leg injury sustained just a day before leaving for the 2017 SEA Games. Ernest John Obiena ,  22.

The southeast Asian Record Holder and 2017 Bronze medalist in the Pole Vault.

Bounced back with a 5.40m seasons best in Ostrava at the Golden  Spike World Challenge meet.

Obiena beat one athlete and placed 10th on countback with a 5.40m effort.

The starting height here was 5.20m, unlike in Rome at the Diamond League where Obiena has to start at 5.36m. 

Consequently, Obiena opened his season in March with 4.90m at the Taipei Pole Vault meet.

Hence he was initially selected with 7 other athletes for the Asian Games. As his best of

5.61m was above the 4th place of last Asian Games (5.45m) and his bronze at the 2017 Asian Championships in India (5.50m).

Obiena mark of 5.40m now puts him at 5th place in the Asian Games based on the 2014 Results.

While Obiena narrowly missed out on selection in the 2014 Asian Games as he was not accredited on time, so this will be his first appearance at Asian Games.

Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland the 2011 World Champion won the event in 5.75m from

Sam Kendricks the 2017 World Champion and Scott Houston of the USA who both had 5.60m.

EJ was the only Asian athlete who entered.

**More write-ups on other Ostrava Golden Spike Events Coming Soon stay tuned

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Ernest Obiena first Filipino Athlete to Join Diamond League -Result

May 20, 2018

Ernest Obiena

Unfortunately, Ernest Obiena was not able to clear the starting 5.36m height at the Diamond League, with 3 attempts. 

Wishing him better luck for his next outing. 4.90m to 5.36m is quite a big leap in a short period of time.

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South East Asian Pole Vault Record Holder Ernest John Obiena will join the world elite with the creme dela creme of world-class Pole Vaulters.

Most noteworthy is that EJ is the first  Filipino invited to join the prestigious IAAF  Diamond League in Rome, The Pietro Mennea Memorial meet tomorrow. 

While the Philippines other top athletes Eric Cray participated in the World Challenge series. Also, Obiena boosts a Personal best of 5.61m from Leverkusen last July.

While Obiena was the silver medalist at the 2015 SEA Games and the Bronze medalist at the 2017 Asian Championships.

Unfortunately, an injury in training a few days before the SEA Games sidelined EJ from winning the much-coveted gold.

Hence after many months of rehab EJ opened with 4.90m in Nantou at the Taipei Pole Vault indoor meet. Before heading back to Formia in Italy to train.

While In 2018 Phassaphong Amsam-Ang of Thailand the SEA Games silver medallist leads the  2018 SEA Rankings in Pole Vault.

Ronnie Baker who beat World Indoor 60m champion and World silver medallist Christian Coleman will line up against him again in the 100 Meters.

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Obiena Opens Season

March 25, 2018

Ernest Obiena opened his first comp back off injury with a 4.90m.  At the Taipei Indoor Pole Vault meet at Nantou.

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“Good to get through injury free.

But I would have liked to have jumped better.

I was surprised my speed was still there but I had difficulty controlling the pole. I will get better.” said the Asian Bronze medalist.

Who is preparing for Asian Games later this year.

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The Jump ranks EJ 4th on the SEA Ranking lists behind Thai Umsam-Ang 5.31m, Iskandar Alwi of Malaysia 5.31m and Idan Richsan of Indonesia 4.90m.

Two other self-funded athletes Riezel Buenaventura the 2013 and 2015 SEA Games bronze medallist leaped 3.50m #5 2018 SEA Rankings and National Junior Record Holder Emily ‘Siobe’ Obiena 3.30m #7 2018 SEA Rankings.

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Ernest Obiena to make a return to competition at the Taipei Open

March 15, 2018

After being sidelined with an injury a day before the 2017 SEA Games. Asian Bronze Medallist in the Pole Vault Ernest John Obiena, will be returning to competition at the Taipei Open on March 21.

Obiena leading up to the SEA Games had improved his southeast Asian Record to 5.61m in Germany.

And was looking at improving on his 2015 SEA Games Silver and giving the country its first Gold in the Pole Vault since Edward Lasquete in 1995.

But an unfortunate leg injury in training sidelined him from getting that gold.

Ernest since then has been working on his rehab via strength coach and athletic patron James Michael Lafferty.

The 22-year-old EJ who is a student at University of Santo Tomas had to skip the UAAP.

As he was not quite ready to compete at that stage.

In the meantime, he has been clearing 5.20 up in training. 

Meanwhile, one of his two Thai rivals, Amsam-Ang who was the SEA Games Silver medallist has cleared 5.31m in Thailand.

This, however, does not bother EJ too much, as he is now thinking longer term.

Eyeing a medal at the Asian Games as the next step in his progress.

Selection is a tricky process having missed the SEA Games.

Where Gold and Silver were secured. However, EJ prior to his injury had already surpassed the Gold Mark of Asian Games which is 5.61m.

He also had a bronze at Asian Champs, which would class as a top finish in a major international meet during 2017.

If we are to go off third criteria, of being subject to fitness 4th place in the Asian Games which the task force is using is 5.45m.

Which is well within his capability. 

So on all 3 counts, EJ is very much qualified for the Asian Games.

And the support he needs should be given to him so he can win a medal.

Also attending the Taipei Open will be the 2013 and 2015 SEA Games Bronze medalist Riezel Buenaventura, and EJ’s younger sister Emily Obiena who holds the Philippine Junior Record, but is now a senior athlete.

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Interesting Statistics Ernest John Obiena

Here are some interesting Statistics on Filipino SEA Games Silver Medalist Ernest John Obiena.

Records Broken

• EJ has broken the Philippine National Junior Record 18 times from 2012-2014
• He has broken the National Record 9 times from 2014-2015
• He broke the National Indoor twice
• He broke the National Indoor Junior twice
• Currently, EJ has all four Male National Records for the Philippines Men’s and Boys outdoor and indoor
• He co-holds the SEA Record (not SEA meet Record) at 5.30m with Pooranot of Thailand
• He set the NJR eleven times from 2011 to 2014
• Still, holds the UAAP Record at 4.50m
• He has the Fil-Chinese Senior and Junior Records

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Career Progression Pole Vault and Highlights 2011-2015

*Since this was published E.J has increased the Philippines record to 5.61m

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On the Mend – The Remarkable recovery of Ernest Obiena

January 25, 2018

Good to see the remarkable recovery of Ernest Obiena back from a terrible injury before the 2017 SEA Games in August.

Which deprived him of the SEA Games Gold.

From James Michael Lafferty

EJ Ernest Obiena is the national champion and record holder in Pole Vault.

He is ranked in the top 35 in the world and top 5 aged 21 and under.

In late August, just prior to the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in which he was a virtual Sure Gold Medal, he brutally tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his knee in a freak accident landing off balance on the pit.

ACL tears used to be career enders until reconstructive surgery.

It’s still not a sure thing. No national track athlete has ever come back.

From Ernest Facebook Post

To everyone who has been following my recovery, I am very thankful for all of your support and encouragement.

I would like to let you know that I am starting to jump and starting to feel like myself again.

I made 4.70 out of 8 steps a couple of times today and I want to try and see what I can do but UAAP is not the meet to do it.

I would like to let you know that I would not be participating in the upcoming UAAP to be held on February 7 in Ultra, Pasig.

I wasn’t given medical clearance to compete due to many reasons but most importantly the period of recovery.

4.5 months post-operation, competing might be the worst thing to do while I am undergoing rehab.

I am really upset to not be able to compete and contribute to the team.

Soon the time would be right to see what I could do.

I hope everyone would still watch and support our local athlete this UAAP.

For More Great News on Ernest Obiena

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Ernest Obiena then and now

Ernest Obiena goes into the SEA Games with much more experience than he had 2 years ago.

In 2013 EJ was 4th at the SEA Games at 18 years of age, in 2015 he improved to silver. Now he looks like he is in the driver’s seat for the Gold.

The last man to win a gold at the SEA Games in this event was Edward Lasquete back in 1995. He won 3 golds 1991, 1993, 1995.

Obiena comes back with a 5.61m SEA Record and Asian Bronze medal.

He is an overwhelming favorite for the gold in Malaysia with his nearest rival 5.40m.

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Unfortunately, EJ Obiena was sidelined by an unforeseen injury in training leading up to SEA Games was unable to participate. Pinoyathletics wishes him and his team all the best for a speedy recovery for his attempt to win the Gold at the 2018 Asian Games.

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Obiena Breaks National and South East Asian Record in Pole Vault

Aug 2, 2017

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After a yo-yo up and down season.

While Funds, then winning Bronze Asian Champs, then broken poles.

And now another up breaking records.

Despite all this Ernest Obiena leaped 5.61m to break his own SEA Record and Philippine Record of 5.55m set last year at the Singapore Open.

Hence up and past the 5.60m barrier/threshold ceiling.

So Obiena leaped 5.61m at Stabhochsprung Classics in Leverkusen, Germany on 27 July 2017 Obiena and came in 4th.

Also, the leap extended his lead over his nearest rival Thai Patasphong Amsam-Ang (5.40m 4th Asian champ). 

Who he will be facing in Kuala Lumpur in a few weeks at the SEA Games.

Especially relevant was at the Singapore SEA Games in 2015 EJ was second in 5.25m behind Pooltong Pooranot of Thailand.

Both Patasphong and Pooranot will represent Thailand in 2017 SEA Games. EJ is one of the strong gold medal candidates at the SEA Games 2017.

EJ a UST student, who is training in Italy with coach Vitaliy Petrov the former coach of pole vault great Sergei Bubka.

Damaged poles derail Obiena’s SEA Games preparation

BY THE MANILA TIMES ON JULY 8, 2017

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s celebratory mood immediately turned into a big disappointment after learning his poles were broken during transit at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy.

Obiena, 21, finished with 5.50 meters behind gold medal winner Bangchao Ding of China (5.65m) and silver medallist Masaki Ejima of Japan (5.65m) in the Asian Athletics Championship last Thursday.

He surpassed the 5.40 m finish of his possible Southeast Asian Games rival Patsapong Amsam-Ang of Thailand.

But on Friday, Obiena discovered that his equipment was damaged beyond repair.

This could seriously affect his preparation for the upcoming SEA Games to be held from August 19 to 13.

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“I was looking forward to representing my country in the upcoming SEA Games but I’m not sure anymore,” Obiena added. “I am humbly asking for your help. Any amount will be of big help.”

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Obiena said the cost of the eight poles and the pole bag is $7,020.

The incident is now under investigation.

 

JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

http://www.manilatimes.net/damaged-equipment-derails-obienas-sea-games-preparation/337277/

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EJ Obiena nabs Historic bronze for Philippines at Asian Championships

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Article by Andrew Pirie

ATFS Statistician 

July 7, 2017

21-year-old Ernest Obiena, beat a class field to take the bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Championships.

Ernest Obiena leaped 5.50m to tie his seasons best in Slovakia last month.

The last time the Philippines won a medal in Athletics at the Asian Championships was 8 years ago,  2009 in Guangzhou, China where Marestella Torres took the Gold in the Women’s Long Jump.

Ernest Obiena finished behind Ding Bangchao, the 20-year-old China man won his first Asian title in 5.65m. 17-year-old Masaki Ejima of Japan took silver in 5.65m

20-year-old Thai Patasphong Amsam-Ang continued his meteoric rise with 5.40m and placed 4th.

Amsam-Ang who was not a 5m jumper last year, defeated SEA Games Champion Pooranot at the Thai University Games in August then recording 5.20m.

Emerging as the most likely challenger for Obiena at SEA Games.

The Thais now have great depth with five men leaping over 5 meters in 2017. Obiena however is the season leader in 2017 for southeast Asia with 5.50m twice this year.

Obiena has a PB of 5.55m last April at the Singapore Open which is the Philippine National and SEA Record.

Last SEA Games in Singapore 2015 EJ took silver behind Poranot Poorahong of Thailand whose leap of 5.30m is the SEA Games Record.

EJ who has been training extensively in Italy under the IAAF Program, won a Euro League meet in Slovenia recently with 5.50m also.

Giving him the top 2 vaults in South East Asia in 2017.

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Yes. Man i know i could go toe to toe with the asia’s best. Said Obiena who is looking towards securing the SEA Games Gold medal in a few weeks in Malaysia.

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EJ Obiena leaps Season Best in Pole Vault to win the international meet

Jun 22, 2017

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21-year-old Ernest Obiena of the Philippines leaped a seasons best of 5.50m to bag first place in the international meet in Velenje, Slovenia.

Hence on June 20, he improved on his seasons best and southeast Asian lead.

While Obiena’s previous best was 5.43m indoors earlier in the year and 5.40m outdoors more recently.

His national record is 5.55m  set April 2016 at the Singapore Open.

While on the same day, Wade Van Niekirk clocked 9.94 PB to win the 100m.

Obiena who was a silver medalist in Singapore 2015 behind Pooranot Poorahong of Thailand. In 2017 Ernest leads the SEA Rankings.

Malaysian SEA Games Champion and SEA Record Holder Irfan Shamsuddin of Malaysia was fifth in the Men’s Discus.

Hence about 2 meters away from his SEA Record.

While Obiena and Eric Cray are sure gold medallists for the Philippines. Due to how far ahead they are from everyone else in South East Asia in their events.

As a result, Obiena and Cray were named in the Philippines 40 team squad for SEA Games 2017

Other overseas-based athletes to make the squad include Kayla Richardson, Kyla Richardson, Zion Corrales-Nelson, Trenten Beram, Tyler Ruiz, and Mary Joy Tabal.

SKUPNO – Palica, člani
Uvr. Št. AZS Priimek in ime Klub Letnik Rezultat
1 89 0 Obiena Ernest Jhon PHL 1995 5.50
1 151 3341 Renner Robert SLO 1994 5.50
3 91 0 Miranda Ruben POR 1993 5.00
4 76 0 Mandusic Max ITA 1998 4.80
4 161 16034 Tičar Ambrož SLO 1996 4.80
6 112 17331 Doberšek Rok SLO 1999 4.60
7 106 16788 Babič Denis SLO 2000 4.40
90 0 Lisek Piotr POL 1992 NM
74 0 Boni Marco ITA 1984 NM
75 0 Lama Francesco ITA 1997 DNS
226 0 Petričević Josip CRO 1992 DNS

Credit to Davian Clarke (Eric Cray’s coach) for informing me of the Results

Full Results

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2017 UAAP Highlights: EJ Obiena defends UAAP Title in Pole Vault

Feb 11, 2017

Frequent travel to and from Europe has become routine for Ernest Obiena.

While he recently set a southeast Asian Indoor record in Germany (5.43m) only three days earlier.

Also, he was not able this year to break his 5.46m UAAP Record.

But easily defended his title.

SEA Games Decathlon Bronze medalist Janry Ubas of FEU 4.50m and former Palaro Champion David Managuelod of UP 4.40m took silver and bronze.

Hence he attempted and failed his to clear 5.47m which would have beaten his UAAP Record.

Obiena is the SEA Games Silver medallist in the Pole Vault in the 2015 Singapore edition. In 2017 in Malaysia he will be aiming to go one step further and win the first Gold medal since Fil-Heritage athlete Edward Lasquette in 1995.

FULL UAAP RESULTS HERE

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EJ Obiena new SEA and National Indoor Record behind Piotr Lisek

Feb 5, 2017

Ernest John Obiena has again broken his National Indoor and SEA Record in the Pole Vault with a leap of 5.43m at Potsdam.

The 21-year-old who is the SEA Games Silver medallist in Singapore at the 2015 Games. Is aiming for the gold at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Obiena currently holds the national record at 5.55m.

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Reported from H. Hubbeling

-ASIAN AA Statistician-

-Co-editor to IAAF National Records for all countries-

Dear friends,

please find below an article about a new SEA Indoor and PHI Indoor Record

as achieved yesterday in our country.

This for your kind information.

Best regards,

Heinrich Hubbeling

-ASIAN AA Statistician-

POTSDAM (GER, Feb 4): Piotr Lisek cleared as first Polish pole vaulter six meters. It happened at the 18th edition of the pole vault meet in Sterncenter Shopping Center of Potsdam.

Lisek won the competition, the result is also a new World lead.

He started with 543 and 563 in first, then 573 and 583 in second. First WL and national mark 593 in second and the same with 6 meters in the second attempt.

He is 10th ever to go over that barrier indoors.

Second Croatian Ivan Horvat and third Karsten Dilla 563, fourth Florian Gaul 553 and fifth new national indoor record for Philippines Ernest John Obiena 5.43.

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EJ Obiena breaks Pinoyathletics Indoor Record Pole Vault but still chasing Olympic Mark

Feb 21, 2016

After breaking his own national record for the tenth time.

And adding nearly a full meter onto his UAAP Record with 5.46m.

Hence Obiena after fulfilling his obligation with his school UST.

Obiena quickly boarded a plane for his next stint half a world away.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing as the airline refused to allow EJ to board his poles.

Until about two hours before the flight.

Putting him under quite severe stress.

Obiena managed a very credible fourth place at the Asian Indoors in Doha, with a respectable mark of 5.40m.

This smashed his 5.15m Pinoyathletics Indoor Record he set last year in Taiwan.

However, he is still yet to achieve the 5.70m Olympic qualifying mark for Rio. 

While the deadline by the organizers set on July 11, 2016.

Furthermore, Obiena told an interviewer earlier he would have liked to have hit the qualification mark this month. 

Therefore allowing him more time to take a break.

And focus on training specifically for the Olympics in August.

However, this is no longer possible as the 20-year-old is still chasing the Olympic standard.

With very few meets left the logical choice would be to return to Italy and compete in higher-level meets in Europe which would be plenty.

Rather than competing in the National Games and National Open which would not provide strong opponents.

Also, the attention also turns towards other available meets in South East Asia.

The Winner of the Asian Indoors Huang Bokai of China broke the Championship Record with a 5.75m jump. Breaking the previous mark of Daichi Sawano 5.60m (Japan).

SEA Games Bronze Medalist Iskandar Alwi (Malaysia) registered 5.00m and placed 6th.

EJ Obiena does it again 5.45m improves SEA Record

Sep 28, 2015

EJ Obiena kept his hunt for the 5.70m Olympic standard in check. While improving his recent National Record from 5.40 to 5.45m.

During the weekly relays and having a near miss at 5.50m.

Also, EJ Obiena who trained in Italy on two occasions continues to close in on the Olympic standard. While the mark improved on his SEA Record of 5.40m.

Such is the improvement that it’s hard to advise the newspapers how many times he has now improved on the previous 5.00m mark of Ed Lasquete.

Hence a new mandate was issued to divide the Pole Vault into 4m and above and 4m and below jumpers starting in the next schedule B.

While so far only Eric Cray has ‘officially’ qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics in all sports. Also, Obiena who is in the high-performance program is aiming to be the next one.

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Olympic Hopeful Ernest Obiena smashes SEA Record in Pole Vault

Sept 9, 2015

Filipino Pole Vaulter Ernest John Obiena who till turn 20 in December took the Gold at the Thailand Track and Field Open.

Ernest just one of three athletes sent by the PATAFA to compete at the meet at Thammasat University which has long been a regular outing for Philippine Track and Field athletes.

Obiena cleared a height of 5.40m. A big improvement on his 5.30m leap in Busan Korea back in May.

The mark is a new South East Asian Record and it was previously 5.30 shared with Pooranot.

Obiena got back at his longtime rival Pooranot of Thailand the SEA Games Champion who was second in 5.20m.

At the SEA Games in Singapore Obiena went in with the best PB of 5.30m. But was simply outclassed by Pooranot (who happens to be the same age as EJ). Who leapt a new SEA Games record of 5.30m.

Obiena had to settle for the silver with a 5.25m leap.

Obiena spent two months training at the IAAF High-Performance Centre in Formia, Italy with his father National Coach Emerson Obiena under Vitaliy Petrov the previous coach of former world record holder Sergey Bubkha.

EJ who had a 5.00 to 5.20 improvement last time he was sent proved well worth the investment.

The Olympic standard is 5.70m, EJ will have until July 11, 2016, to make his mark and get sent to Rio. Failing that EJ will still only be 24 when the 2020 Olympics rolls around.

Obiena breaks SEA PV record. ‘Bones-up’ chances for gold at SEA Games

May 25, 2015

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Aside from Eric Cray; pinoyathletics.info 2014 Rookie of the year Ernest John Obiena continues to break national records. 

The men’s Pole Vault which was originally held by Fil-Heritage Edward Lasquete; had been reset by EJ last year with 5.01, 5.05, 5.15, 5.20, and 5.21. 5.21.

Thus setting the bar very high in a figurative and literal manner as the National Junior Record.

Breaking the 5.00m barrier was very important to the Obiena Family.

Ernest’s father and coach Emerson Obiena (former National Indoor Holder) made a promise to his coach the late Bill Villanueva that he would produce a 5.00m vaulter.

Emerson kept his promise with EJ achieving this a few months before Coach Villanueva passed away.

Still not turning 20 still December, however no longer eligible for Junior Records like Cray and Caleb Stuart, EJ has given the Philippines not just a National Record but a southeast Asian Record in this event this year.

EJ’s earlier performance this year at the Thai Open saw him defeat Sintacheewa and Alwi the SEA Games Gold and Silver medalists of 2013 with a 5.20m effort.

Obiena this year took off where he did last year by breaking not just the National Record.

And also the SEA Games Records with a 5.25m leap for the silver medal at the Taipei open behind an American on 16.05.15.

He raised this mark again to 5.30m at the Busan International Pole Vault meet in Korea the following week.  

The previous SEA Record is held by the 2011 and 2013 SEA Games gold medalist Kreetha Sintacheewa of Thailand at 5.24m.

EJ finished fourth in the 2013 SEA Games.

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A Tough lead up

He had to endure hardships such as losing his scholarship at Ateneo.

Consequently, he was unable to catch up with exams due to having been affected by Dengue.

And disappointment continued for EJ as he was unfairly excluded from the Asian Games despite making the qualifying standard.

Hence he also missed out on World Juniors. Asian Juniors and World University Games.

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EJ Obiena Olympic pathway

However, a string of luck happened when he was first given the chance with his coach Emerson to go to Italy to train with Vitaliy the coach of the legendary Sergey Bubka.

Former PATAFA President Go Teng Kok had a talk with his old friend Bubka when he visited the Philippines to help set up an EJ trip to train in Italy.

EJ also was included in ‘Adopt an Olympian Program’ of CEO James Michael Lafferty.

And he was recently the recipient of three much need brand new poles for the SEA Games.

While EJ goes in a firm favorite at SEA Games level but is now looking at the bigger picture of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Also, it will take a leap of 5.65m to qualify for this Olympic Games.

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EJ Obiena breaks fathers Record (March 2014)

Now officially a 5.00m jumper EJ Obiena (left) takes the national indoor record. Coach and father Emerson Obiena (right).a

18-year-old Ernest John Obiena leaped 5.00m to break the indoor record of his father and coach Emerson Obiena (4.93m) which was also set in Taipei.

Obiena leap is a new national indoor record and ties the outdoor mark of Fil-Heritage Edward Lasquete (5.00m).

The performance is recognized as an indoor but not an outdoor record.

Obiena performance also hits the bronze medal standard of 5.00m for the SEA Games. In order to qualify for the world juniors, EJ must leap 5.05m.

The upcoming star who was 4th at the last SEA Games is looking for help/support so he can train at the IAAF facility in Italy an offer made to him by the legendary former world record holder Sergey Bubka.