EJ OBIENA The Best Filipino Pole Vaulter (How did he get here) Documentary

Share

Summary

This documentary chronicles the journey of EJ Obiena, a Filipino pole vaulter, from his early days on the track to becoming a world-ranked athlete. It delves into his training, challenges, and personal reflections on representing the Philippines.

Highlights

A Trailblazer in Pole Vaulting
00:00:00

EJ Obiena, Asian champion and record holder, is highlighted as he clears impressive heights, including becoming the first Asian athlete to clear six meters. He rises to world number two in men's pole vault rankings and punches his ticket to the 2024 Olympics. The video also shows his struggles, including a critical miss at the Tokyo Olympics.

Reflecting on Tokyo and Training in Formia
00:02:12

Obiena reflects on his performance at the Tokyo Olympics, admitting he wasn't mentally ready despite being in good physical shape. He describes how an opportunity arose to train in Formia, Italy, after a chance meeting with pole vault legend Sergei Bubka. Formia, a small town, provides the perfect environment for him to focus on his craft.

The Influence of Family and Coaches
00:03:55

Obiena's father expresses pride in his son exceeding expectations, highlighting EJ's determination and character. EJ credits his father for getting him from 0 to 5 meters, and his coach, Vitaly Petrov, for improving him to 6 meters over ten years. He shares childhood memories of growing up on the track and being inspired by his father and other athletes.

Diamond League and Olympic Preparations
00:05:50

The documentary covers Obiena's participation in the Diamond League in Paris, a crucial event before the 2024 Olympics. He views it as an opportunity to experience an Olympic-caliber competition and assess his standing against the world's best. He successfully clears 5.50 meters and then 5.75 meters, showing strong form.

Representing the Philippines
00:07:32

Obiena's passion for pole vaulting is evident, and his mother notes how he has made the Philippines known in the European circuit. EJ emphasizes that representing the Philippines is a privilege and expresses his belief in the potential of Filipinos. He aims to inspire children, showing that nationality doesn't limit one's ability to be the best.

Overcoming Adversity and Making Tough Choices
00:10:05

The video highlights Obiena's resilience, particularly after an ACL injury. His determination to pursue his Olympic dream led to difficult conversations with his family, who initially prioritized education. He made the crucial decision to pursue pole vaulting professionally, setting a deadline for himself to succeed by 2020.

The Pressure of Competition and Personal Sacrifices
00:12:07

During the Paris Diamond League, Obiena faces higher stakes at 5.85 meters and later 5.95 meters. He views these competitions as simulations of the Olympic final. Despite missing his final attempt and settling for 4th place, he acknowledges the pressure as a privilege. He also reflects on the personal sacrifices made, acknowledging that his life is unbalanced and that he has not been able to be as present for his friends and family.

Future Aspirations and Gratitude
00:14:22

Messages of support from his family and friends affirm their pride in him. Obiena reflects on his dedication to the sport, vowing to prioritize relationships after the Olympics. He expresses his honor and privilege to be in his position, grateful for the opportunities pole vaulting has given him, and the immense support from the Filipino people.

Recently Summarized Articles

Loading...