Filipino Olympian and world no. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena is pushing through with his long-standing dream to stage a world-class pole vault competition in the Philippines.
Obiena announced that the “Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge” will take place at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City from September 20 to 21. The event is sanctioned by World Athletics and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).
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The competition was originally planned for 2024 but had to be postponed due to a spine injury that sidelined Obiena. Now, the event will finally come to life, with an even greater purpose.
“This is gonna be part of the tour. This is in the calendar of World Athletics,” said Obiena during the announcement press conference.
“With that, it amounts to certain things… world ranking for sure. If anybody jumps the world record, if we see one, it’s gonna be there. And if anybody jumps the national record and everything, it’s gonna be up to standard. This is not an exhibition, this is an official session, competition by World Athletics.”
Obiena also confirmed that the top 10 pole vaulters in the world, including world and Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, have been invited to compete. The event will give athletes a chance to earn valuable ranking points that will contribute to their global standings.
More than just a competition, Obiena sees the event as a chance to highlight the country’s readiness to host international sporting events.
“This is something that I really wanna showcase—of course the ability of the Philippines in such an event,” he said.
“That’s the main reason we’re aiming to get as much of the top athletes as possible. Because I wanna showcase that the Philippines is a country that can host such events, and hopefully this is just gonna be a spark to get that engine going and maybe get more international competition in the country.”
The event is also historic, being the first major pole vault meet to take place in Metro Manila, with the goal of making the sport more accessible to everyday Filipinos.
“I think bringing the sport outside of the track, closer to the people… it’s an amazing spot to jump,” Obiena shared.
“And on the personal side as an athlete, I can’t wait to jump in front of the whole crowd. I’ve not done that in such a long time. The last time I’ve done that was in SEA Games and it was far from the city. It kinda brings pleasure on me, which I do well often times, and I’ll enjoy. It’s gonna be something that I really am looking forward to—as I said, being in the home crowd is different.”
Obiena last competed in front of a Filipino audience during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in New Clark City, where he captured the first of his three SEA Games gold medals.
While preparing for the Makati meet, Obiena will first compete in the Monaco leg of the Diamond League on July 11, continuing his busy international season leading up to the homecoming event.
