Emerson Obiena to son EJ: Be an inspiration to other athletes

MANILA, Philippines — Pole vault coach Emerson Obiena wants his son EJ to serve as motivation for track and field athletes in the years to come.

Amid breaking barriers in the sport with his World No. 5 ranking and personal records, EJ is nothing short of a perfect role model for those who want to achieve the same.

"Gusto ko sana maging inspirasyon [si EJ] para doon sa mga batang nagsisimula pa lang dito sa larangan ng sport na ito. Hopefully, maging modelo nila si Ernest and magstrive sila na someday maging katulad niya," the Obiena patriarch said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at Diamond Hotel on Monday.

At 26, EJ is one of the top pole vaulters in the world, frequently booking podium finishes in various competitions and holding the national record for both indoor and outdoor pole vault.

EJ's success, especially amid his ongoing rift with the Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (PATAFA), can be a beacon of light for younger athletes as to what they can achieve.

"'Di natin naimagine na aabot sa ganitong level ang isang katulad ni EJ. Tingin ko, nung time na yun, especially sa track and field, hindi natin nakikita na pwede tayong dark horse. Pero ngayon nandidito na," said Obiena.

"So, it is possible and hopefully sana, yung mga kabataan natin ngayon makita nila na may kakayahan din pala ang mga Pilipino para maging excellent sa ganyang laro," he added.

EJ was set to compete in the World Indoor Championships in Serbia this weeek but was forced to miss out due to the non-endorsement of PATAFA.

He is also in peril of missing his gold medal defense in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, still because of the issues with PATAFA.

But the Philippine Olympic Committee has pledged its full backing of EJ as the latter seeks to compete in Hanoi this May.