Latest news with #AtletangAyalaWorldPoleVaultChallenge
Asia News Network
4 days ago
- Sport
- Asia News Network
Two-time Olympian, world No.4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena fulfills ‘lifelong dream' with world event in Philippines
July 8, 2025 MANILA – EJ Obiena's goal to stage a first-rate pole vault event in the country is finally happening from September 20 to 21 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Obiena made the announcement on Monday through an online press conference. 'It has been my lifelong dream to mount a world-class sporting event in my homeland to showcase Filipino talent and make the nation proud. Now, it's finally happening. I call on my kababayans (compatriots) to come together and support this once-in-a-lifetime event,' said the world No. 4 pole vaulter and two-time Olympian. The event dubbed Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge is sanctioned by the World Athletics and participating athletes will earn ranking points. Obiena had initially intended to hold the tournament last year, but it was postponed after the Asian champion and record-holder had to cut his 2024 season short due to a spinal injury. The World Pole Vault Challenge aims to bring several of the top pole vaulters in the world that could include Sweden's Mondo Duplantis. Duplantis recently raised his world pole vault record to 6.28m last month at a Diamond League meet in front of his home fans. The 29-year-old Obiena is slated to compete in the Meeting Herculis EBS in Monaco on July 11.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
EJ Obiena-led elite pole vault meet finally happening on September 21 in Makati
EJ Obiena is finally staging an elite pole vault event at home as he hosts the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge on September 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. The competition is expected to see top pole vaulters across the globe — including Obiena himself — duke it out for ranking points as it will be an official event in the World Athletics calendar. "We're inviting, of course, the top pole vaulters. The dates are strategically placed on the 21st, that's gonna be after the world championship so we could expect high-ranking athletes," Obiena said in an online press conference with Philippine media. "We're gonna announce it as soon as the competition dates come. As of now, we'll keep it first." Last year, world no. 4 Obiena was also supposed to host an event in the same venue but opted to pull the plug after deciding to focus on his recovery for a back injury he sustained. But he ensured that his dream of bringing an elite pole vault event to the country will finally become a reality this year. And although nothing has been cast in stone yet, Obiena's camp revealed that world no. 1 Mondo Duplantis and other top pole vaulters in the world are interested in flying to Manila to participate in the event. "I've always wanted to bring this since the day I've competed in Europe, when I've seen how the event kind of relates to the people in the city, the people in the crowd," Obiena added. "I've been talking to a lot of stakeholders and I'm very blessed that it's finally happening. It's a long time coming." —JMB, GMA Integrated News
