EJ Obiena relishes ‘special’ homecoming after Olympics stint

Philippines’ EJ Obiena competes in the men’s pole vault final of the athletics event at the Paris Olympics 2024 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 5, 2024. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino pole vault EJ Obiena had a brief but “special” homecoming in the Philippines after his second Olympics stint in Paris.

At the conclusion of all of Team Philippines’ homecoming events this week, Obiena had time to process everything and showed nothing but gratitude.

“It has been said, ‘You never recognize the greatest moments in life until they’re in your rear view mirror,’ and it’s true. As I am en route back to Italy and training, I have come to realize just now how special the last 24 hours, being at home in the Philippines, has been,” wrote the world No.3-ranked pole vaulter.

Obiena was part of the Philippine delegation that was met with a warm welcome at Villamor Villamor Air Base then was received at Malacañan Palace on the same day.

“From such a wonderfully warm reception at Malacañang; to great conversations in-flight and on the bus rides with the other athletes; to quickly visiting my Alma mater; to meeting some many of my fellow countrymen. What a special time that will forever be etched in my memories. Thank you!”

Obiena, who has put the Philippienes on the mat in the sport of pole vault being in the top 10 of the world rankings the past few years, marveled on what he considers as the “golden era of Philippine sports.”

“I have to say what’s best of all is the fact that this is clearly the golden era of Philippine sports and we are all witnesses to it! It took 97 years for ate Hidilyn Diaz to win our first Gold medal and three years later, Carlos Yulo wins two! Just wow! What a great time for our nation’s sports!”

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Obiena, though,  couldn’t extend his stay enough to join the Team Philippines’ heroes’ welcoming parade on Wednesday as he had to continue his training with a competition looming in the coming days.

He is now back in Formia, Italy and will be competing in the Laussane Diamond League next week.

“I am sorry I wasn’t in the parade; but as you know my season’s not over and there are upcoming competitions that I will compete in, starting in 6 days!”

Obiena was a heavy favorite to land on the podium in Paris but was unable to notch a medal behind Mondo Duplantis, Sam Kendricks and Emmanouil Karalis who had gold, silver and bronze, respectively.

He has since signified his intention to continue training and possibly compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.