A LAWMAKER has filed a resolution honoring pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for winning a historic bronze in the World Athletics Championships and rising to No. 3 in the world rankings for men’s pole vault.
In an unnumbered resolution, Manila Second District Representative Rolando Valeriano said Obiena once again brought honor and glory to the country last July 25.
“Obiena became not only the first Filipino, but the first Asian, to win a medal in the most prestigious and competitive global track and field competition, the 2022 World Athletics Championships, held in Eugene, Oregon, USA,” Valeriano said.
Obiena cleared 5.94 meters, breaking by a centimeter his own Asian, national and personal records of 5.93 meters.
“EJ once said that he hoped to inspire his fellow youths of Tondo, where he is from,” Valeriano said. “He wants them all to dream, and go after this dream, for anything is possible through hard work and grit.”
“The truth is that EJ is a real inspiration, not just to us from Tondo, but to all of us Filipinos. This is outstanding athlete, who is not just a world class pole vaulter, but a person of unparalleled compassionate character,” added Valeriano, chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.
Valeriano previously filed a resolution for the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development to conduct an investigation on the alleged harassment against Obiena by his national federation, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
The issue between Obiena and PATAFA, however, has been sorted out.