EJ Obiena’s victory in the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge on Sunday came on the same day thousands of Filipinos poured into the streets to show their disgust over corruption in government.
Obiena said he is very much aware of the situation in Manila following the recent expose on corruption in flood control projects, and he hopes his gold medal brought something positive to Filipinos at this time.
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“I hope that they enjoyed it,” said Obiena on Sunday when asked about the event coinciding with the multiple rallies held in Metro Manila.
“I hope it gave them a bit of a smile. I know the situation in the country. I know what is the talk of the town. This is something I hope is a breath of fresh air, really something to celebrate and show what Filipinos are capable of and what we can do,” said Obiena.
Obiena spearheaded the staging of the street vaulting event to enable Filipino fans to witness world-class pole vaulting for the first time. He later won the competition, beating the likes of world No. 5 Ersu Sasma, and No. 12 Thibaut Collet.
Obiena said the overall organization of the event is proof that Filipinos can be world-class.
“If these guys (fellow pole vaulters) said that we are creating a world-class competition, it truly is. I might be biased but the guys, they’re not here to butter us up,” said Obiena.
“With that, I’m really happy because it shows the ability of Filipinos to do something world-class by thinking, planning, and really executing the best of their abilities,” he added.
“Like I said, this is nothing short of what we’re having in the Olympics or in Europe. It is at par, if not even better. I would say that this is better than some of the meets that I compete [in].
"You guys can really ask them (participants) truly. I do believe that this is one of the best meets that I’ve every competed, if not, the best,” said Obiena.
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