Filipino athlete Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has captured the spotlight at the Paris Olympics 2024. With unwavering determination, Obiena showcased his remarkable skills in the Men’s Pole Vault event, proudly representing the Philippines. Throughout the competition, Obiena was seen gearing up and cooling down in PUMA’s Deviate NITRO™ 3, highlighting the innovative footwear’s role in his impressive performance.
The Olympic Dream
On August 6 at the Stade de France in Paris, EJ Obiena showcased his impressive pole vaulting skills by clearing heights of 5.70m, 5.85m, and 5.90m. His remarkable performance earned him a 4th place finish in the Men’s Pole Vault event, drawing admiration from sports enthusiasts and fans around the world.
The Paris Olympics 2024 marked Obiena’s second Olympic appearance, a testament to his unwavering dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence. He made history as the first Filipino athlete to secure a spot at the Paris Games, achieving this milestone after winning a silver medal at the Wanda Diamond League’s Bauhaus Galan in July 2023. His progression from finishing 11th in his debut Olympics to securing 4th place is a powerful story of resilience and determination.
In an interview with OneSports after the event, Obiena reflected on his journey, stating, “Even with the fourth place, I’ve done everything I can. I’m proud of the effort of my team, myself, and everybody that made this possible.”
Unmatched Performance with PUMA
As the sole Southeast Asian PUMA ambassador at the Paris Olympics, EJ Obiena not only impressed with his pole vaulting prowess but also with his choice of footwear. Competing as the World No. 2 Pole Vaulter and PUMA Philippines’ official ambassador, Obiena sported the newly released Deviate NITRO™ 3 while preparing for and recovering from each jump.
Launched earlier this year, the Deviate NITRO™ 3 is the latest in PUMA’s Deviate line, designed to push the limits of speed and performance. This cutting-edge shoe features advanced NITROFOAM™ technology for superior comfort, support, and responsiveness. Its carbon fiber PWR Plate ensures a smoother and faster running experience, while the padded collar enhances fit and comfort. The shoe’s lightweight mesh upper, reinforced with strategically placed PWR Tape, provides added support, and the PUMAGRIP outsole offers exceptional traction on various surfaces.
The Deviate NITRO™ 3 is engineered to help athletes like Obiena reach new heights and elevate their performance. This latest release underscores PUMA’s dedication to providing top-tier athletic technology.
Focus on Recovery and Local Competition
Looking ahead, Obiena is setting his sights on the LA Olympics 2028, but for now, he is focused on recovering from an injury and maintaining his position as the world’s number 2 pole vaulter.
In addition to his international pursuits, Obiena is preparing for a significant local event: the “Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge.” This competition, set to take place in September, marks Obiena’s first local meet in five years. Registered with World Athletics, the event aims to feature pole vaulters who also competed in Paris. To ensure the event meets World Athletics standards, Obiena’s team is collaborating with a European consultant.
In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Obiena expressed his excitement: “I will try to get the Olympic finalists and have a really good competition in the Philippines. I think the country deserves that.”
Join EJ Obiena for a meet-and-greet event on September 15, 2024, at 10 AM at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center. The event is open and free to the public. For updates, follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account.
For more information, please visit www.puma.com
