EJ OBIENA SET TO START 2025 SEASON

(UPDATE) FINALLY spry and healthy, Filipino pole vault ace Ernest John "EJ" Obiena is back in action and is set to start his 2025 indoor season.

Obiena, ranked fourth in the world of his sport, will compete at the International Jump Meeting Cottbus on Jan. 29 at the Lausitz-Arena in Cottbus, Germany.

"Back at it after what seems like forever," wrote Obiena in a Facebook post accompanied with a video of him training.

"On the 29th, I'll be kicking off my indoor season in Cottbus, Germany. I'm excited to be back in the thick of things and to see what's in store."

Placing fourth at the Paris Olympics last August, Obiena had to end his 2024 season prematurely due to a spine injury.

Obiena competed in a total of 10 tournaments last year and made the podium five times.

The 29-year-old last competed at the Silesia Diamond League where he finished fifth last August.

Other than recovering from the aforementioned injury, Obiena also went back to the Philippines for some media and fan events.

Obiena also launched his first training pole vault facility in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, last November.

"This is my first attempt to teach our young athletes how to fish for medals. I believe in investing in our youth. I believe in the greatness that resides in every Filipino in every corner of the Philippines. Let this be simply the beginning," said Obiena of his project.

2025-01-22T16:24:43Z