Asia’s top pole vaulter EJ Obiena showed another side of himself during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Aside from his athletic persona, Pinoys noticed the pole vaulter’s knack for words and clarity of mind. Some Pinoys online unearthed his 2021 column on The Philippine Star where he wrote about the mammoth support it takes to win an Olympic medal.
He also bared the inner workings of the sport as an industry, and the practical systems in place that either hinder or nurture him. “Athlete na, writer pa? Lahat na lang ng talent, EJ Obiena?! 😩 what a man ✨,” an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. Soon, the public also recognized not only his writing skills but artistic inclinations as well.
“He’s the cousin your mom brings up to pressure you 😩,” one X user wrote. EJ’s articulacy is also evident in his interviews and posts. One of his most recent posts is a series of posts on X where he shared a heartfelt message to supporters, and discussed how he plans to move forward after falling short for a medal.
Many supporters are touched by the 28-year-old’s ability to metabolize such a feat. “Every time may tweet ‘to si EJ nakakalingid ng luha. Galing niya magsulat grabe 🫡,” a Filipino user shared.
“Best in essay writing jud ni si EJ ba. In fairness. Congrats, EJ!,” another Pinoy wrote.
“I don’t know pero ito yung type ng tao na gusto mo talagang maging ka group lalo sa thesis defense,” another online user said in jest. More than the artifice that EJ’.