"The best is yet to come.”
EJ Obiena eyes for more accolades following his historic performance at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon Sunday (Monday in Manila).
The world No. 6 pole vaulter captured the bronze medal in record-breaking fashion to become the first Filipino podium finisher in the prestigious world meet.
“Philippines is the best in Asia for pole vault. And third best in the world. Hungry for more cookie,” Obiena said in a social media post.
Obiena cleared 5.94 meters, also shattering his own Asian and national mark of 5.93m set in the 17th Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria last year.
He finished behind world No. 1 Mondo Duplantis of Sweden, who eclipsed his own world record with 6.21m, and Chris Nilsen, who prevailed over Obiena on countback.
With this achievement, Obiena further boosted his medal campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics as well as in the delayed 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China next year.
The country appears to be in celebration of Obiena’s success as his name immediately trended on Twitter.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also congratulated Obiena on another milestone performance as he continues to bring honor to the country.
“President Bongbong Marcos also said in Malacañang that regardless of the color of the medal, he will always be proud of the performances of the national athletes in international competitions since they are representing the country,” said PSC Officer-in-Charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr.
The government sports agency is among those who continuously support Obiena in his training in Formia, Italy with his coach Vitaly Petrov for the past years.