Push Admin

PATAFA even more optimistic of EJ Obiena's medal hopes after recent successes

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News 

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/tvpatrol/02/03/ej-obiena.jpg"/><figcaption>EJ Obiena reacts in competition at the ISTAF (Internationales Stadionfest) Indoor</figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA, Philippines -- EJ Obiena&#x27;s strong performances in the indoor athletics season have given the country&#x27;s athletics chief great hope that the pole vaulter can bring home a medal in the Tokyo Olympics.</p><p>The 25-year-old Obiena put together a series of impressive outings in competitions in Europe, the most recent of which was the Orlen Cup in Poland where his mark of 5.86-meters set a new national indoor record and won him a silver medal. </p><p>Speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, PATAFA president Philip Ella &quot;Popoy&quot; Juico said they are &quot;very bullish&quot; about Obiena&#x27;s chances in the Tokyo Games this July.</p><p>&quot;The last few weeks have been an indication of where he&#x27;s headed for,&quot; said Juico. &quot;They&#x27;ve been successful, at least in this indoor season after an eight-, seven-month layoff because of the pandemic.&quot; </p><p>&quot;EJ is doing great,&quot; he added.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/06/21/ej-obiena-obliterates-ph-pole-vault-record-to-rule-berlin-indoor-tournament">READ: EJ Obiena obliterates PH pole-vault record to rule Berlin indoor tournament</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/08/21/athletics-ej-obiena-grabs-another-gold-medal-in-dortmund-meet">READ: EJ Obiena grabs another gold medal in Dortmund meet</a></li></ul><p>Obiena, one of four Filipinos who have already qualified for the Tokyo Games, has competed in five tournaments in Europe. He reached the podium three times, and won two gold medals. </p><p>He expects to compete in another tournament in Poland on February 17, and Juico is optimistic that Obiena will have a similarly impressive performance there.</p><p>&quot;He (Obiena) is very confident, he is very upbeat about his chances,&quot; said Juico.</p><p>As Obiena keeps putting up impressive marks and goes toe-to-toe with some of the best in the world, Juico&#x27;s confidence about his chances in Tokyo also increases.</p><p>&quot;For EJ, it&#x27;s a podium finish,&quot; Juico said of his expectation for the pole vaulter. &quot;Whether gold, silver, bronze, (but) preferably gold.&quot; </p><p>&quot;But we don&#x27;t want to put too much pressure on this young man,&quot; he added.</p><p>If Obiena makes it to the podium in Tokyo, he will be the first Filipino track and field athlete to win an Olympic medal since Miguel White, who claimed the bronze in the men&#x27;s 400-meter hurdles all the way back in 1936 in Berlin.</p><p>Aside from Obiena, also assured of Tokyo berths are gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Irish Magno and Eumir Marcial.</p><div><strong>Related video: </strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q5u25GMS4kI?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>EJ Obiena can win the Philippines' first Olympic medal in track and field since 1936.</p>

EJ Obiena can win the Philippines' first Olympic medal in track and field since 1936.

PATAFA even more optimistic of EJ Obiena's medal hopes after recent successes

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Sports

PATAFA even more optimistic of EJ Obiena's medal hopes after recent successes

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 16, 2021 05:35 PM PHT

Read More:

pole vault

EJ Obiena

Tokyo Olympics

Olympic Games

PATAFA

Philip Ella Juico

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.