JANUARY 25, 2026 — EJ Obiena has once again put the Philippines on the global athletics map, this time with a bronze medal finish at the ISTAF Dusseldorf indoor meet in Germany. Clearing 5.65 meters, the Tondo-born pole vaulter stood tall against world-class competition, trailing only Dutch Olympian Menno Vloon (5.75m) and American Sam Kendricks (5.70m).

Isn’t it striking that despite his consistent podium finishes, Obiena still has to hustle for support back home? He’s a two-time Olympian, a proven medalist, and yet the conversation in the Philippines often revolves around whether our athletes are “worth” the investment. Shouldn’t the question be: how much more can they achieve if we actually give them the backing they deserve?

Obiena’s own words capture the moment: “Indoor season officially started. Came away with a (bronze) here.” 

It’s a simple post, but behind it lies the grind of a Filipino athlete competing in a sport that barely gets mainstream attention here. He cleared 5.45m with ease, fought through 5.55m and 5.65m, and even dared the 5.70m mark. 

That’s not just athleticism — it’s resilience, the kind that mirrors the everyday Filipino struggle.

Every medal Obiena wins isn’t just his. It’s ours. It’s the Philippines proving it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with nations that pour millions into sports development. Imagine if more Filipino athletes had the same access to facilities, coaching, and funding as their European or American counterparts. How many more Obienas could we have? How many more times could we hear “Philippines” announced on the world stage?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)