Ernest “EJ” Obiena, born on November 17, 1995, in Tondo, Manila, is a renowned Filipino pole vaulter. He comes from a family of athletes; his father, Emerson Obiena, was a former national pole vault record holder, and his mother, Jeanette Uy, was a hurdler.

EJ began pole vaulting at a young age, initially coached by his father. He later moved to Formia, Italy, to train under the legendary coach Vitaly Petrov, who has coached multiple Olympic champions. EJ’s dedication and hard work have led him to break numerous records. He currently holds the Asian record with a clearance of 6.00 meters, achieved at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he won a silver medal. He also recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 4th overall.

Throughout his career, EJ has faced and overcome significant challenges, including an ACL injury in 2017. Despite this setback, he made a remarkable comeback, setting new records and winning multiple medals in international competitions. He has represented the Philippines in 2 Olympics and continues to be a prominent figure in the world of athletics.

EJ’s journey is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and passion for pole vaulting, making him an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.