Have you ever wondered what it feels like to literally reach new heights? Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, the 27-year-old Filipino Olympian, can now answer this question with first-hand experience. He has become the latest member of the pole vault six-metre club – an exclusive group of athletes worldwide that have managed to scale one of the most elusive barriers in elite athletics. But what makes Obiena’s feat particularly notable?
Obiena didn’t just join the club; he vaulted into the record books. At the Bergen Jump Challenge in Bryggen, Norway, on June 10, 2023, he made an electrifying first attempt at 6.00m, clearing it to set new records. This triumphant jump broke three records at once: the Asian record of 5.94m that Obiena himself set at the World Championships in Oregon last year, the Philippines’ national record, and his own Personal Best record.
Describing the moment on his social media, Obiena wrote, “It took a few moments to sink in. But when it did, tears began to fall,” Obiena revealed in an emotional social media post, adding, “Just happy and proud to be part of the 6m Club.” Obiena also credited his coach Vitaliy Petrov with whom he shared the dream of being the first Asian and Filipino to go over the barrier. “There was no greater shoulder to cry on than my coach, Vitaliy. Couldn’t have done it without you,” he added.
The six-metre club now boasts 28 members, including Olympic champions and world title holders, with different nationalities from all six continental areas of the sport. Obiena’s feat has placed Asia in this exclusive club for the first time.
Filipino champion pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena placed the continent of Asia in the Elite 6-Metre Club as its 28th member. Obiena breached the mark in his gold-winning jump at the Bergen Cup Challenge held in Norway over the weekend @GoodNewsPinas_ @ejobienapv @WorldAthletics https://t.co/BtYe9bX1BS
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) June 13, 2023
Throughout the competition, World No. 3 EJ Obiena showcased his determination. Entering the competition at 5.53m, he needed two attempts to clear the opening height. As the competition continued, he strategically passed at certain heights, saving his energy and focus for a run at history. His successful attempt at 6.00m not only made him the newest member of the 6-metre club but also earned him the gold medal win ahead of the USA’s KC Lightfoot.
In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist shared his emotions, “I was waiting for my body to hit the bar. I was like: ‘I’m gonna hit this’, then just like: ‘Wait, I’m not hitting it!’ And then the moment I landed, it took some time to sink in.”
Obiena’s achievement, a dream come true for him, represents a significant step forward for Asian athletes in pole vaulting. Yet, his coach, Vitaliy Petrov, reminds him and us that there is still much work to be done.
Obiena will continue his athletic journey at the Oslo Bislett Games on June 15 and the Stockholm Diamond League on July 2. As the world watches this rising star break barriers, we are left wondering: what other records will Ernest John “EJ” Obiena shatter in his pole-vaulting journey? As the first Filipino and Asian to join the 6-metre club, he’s already proved that the sky’s the limit.
WATCH EJ Obiena’s historic record-breaking and gold-winning pole vault here and SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below!
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