EJ Obiena has risen to number 2 on the world men’s pole vault rankings as of 20th July 2023. The Filipino Olympian previously ranked 3rd in the same category in July 2022.
Besides garnering the highest ranking in his career, the 27-year-old athlete is also the first Filipino to be qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Image credit: @ejobienapv via Twitter
With 1,432 ranking points, Obiena surpassed the previous second placer, American pole vaulter Chris Nilsen, by only 4 points. Meanwhile, Mondo Duplantis of Sweden remains at the top spot with 1,569 points.
According to World Athletics, top athletes around the world are given a “ranking score” based on the average scores of their best performances within a 12-month period. Other achievements, such as equalling or breaking a world record, may also affect their scores.
Image credit: @ejobienapv via Twitter
“Good morning, Philippines. Your very own skinny kid from Tondo, alumni of CKSC and UST, is now WORLD NUMBER TWO,” Obiena greeted Filipino netizens this morning.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and my deepest gratitude to those who went to war so that I could continue this dream,” he also wrote. By war, the athlete may be referring to the time he ran into funding issues due to alleged politicking within local sports associations and was accused of misappropriating funds.
Despite everything the athlete has been through, he enthusiastically shared his success with his fellow Filipinos. In fact, Obiena refused to play for another country despite receiving attractive offers.
“This is not just my accomplishment alone, but everyone’s. Maraming salamat, Pilipinas, sa pagkakataon na iwagayway ang iyong diwa. This dreamer dares to dream.” (“Thank you, Philippines, for the opportunity to raise your spirit. This dreamer dares to dream.”)
The journey doesn’t stop at moving up the rankings for EJ Obiena as he’s also headed to the Summer Olympics in Paris next year. We wish him good health so he can continue to bring pride to the Philippines.
If you want to know more about the amazing Filipino pole vaulter, read this list of EJ Obiena facts. Also, get to know more Filipino Olympic athletes in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Cover image adapted from: @ernestobienapv via Instagram, @ejobienapv via Twitter
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