THE dominance of Ernest John (EJ) Obiena in the pole vaulting scene of the Philippines may soon be challenged by a familiar face, as his younger cousin Matt Obiena won a gold medal in the NCAA Season 100.
The younger Obiena, a graduating student-athlete of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, won the NCAA Season 100 track and field pole vault competition, clearing 4.10 meters to claim the gold medal.
While it is still far from what EJ has accomplished throughout his career – participating in both 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics – there is no denying that greatness in pole vaulting runs through their family’s veins, and Matt’s future career in the sport is something to be excited about.
It Runs In The Blood
The 22-year-old showed excellence by successfully clearing all heights on his first attempt. John Parulan of Arellano University won the silver medal, while Vale Domalaon Jr. of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA took the bronze.
“It feels amazing. Actually, it is one of the competitions that I was really looking forward to. Despite not performing and not being able to play these past years, the previous seasons, bringing home the gold medal for Letran was really amazing,” Matt told a media.
Matt faced a ton of challenges from the moment he began competing in the sport. If this had occurred to any other athlete, they could have given up on their careers, but the younger Obiena stood by his dreams.
A Lot of Hurdles
This unfortunate sequence of events began when he missed the podium in NCAA Season 94 as a Grade 11 Senior High student, finishing fourth due to a countback loss.
Moving on, his character was tested again during Seasons 96 and 97, when the country was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the collegiate league’s sports options were limited.
Entering Season 98, he was more than ready to deliver a medal for Letran, only to discover that pole vault was not on the season’s track and field event schedule. He was unable to participate again last year, during Season 99.
“Season 99, I was much more prepared. Mas nag ci-click na yung mga bagay-bagay on a technical aspect, pero nung second semester, since konti na lang ‘yung subjects ko, ang in-enroll ko lang is saktong 12 units,” said Obiena.
“Kaso hindi pala kasama sa bilang yung NSTP, na-overlook ko na ‘di kasama sa bilang ng eligibility to compete. Nung nalaman ko yun, patapos na yung second sem.”
“Nag try ako mag focus sa outside competitions, pero hindi ko rin nabawi masyado ‘yung performance ko kasi ‘yung utak ko andoon sa hindi ako nakapag laro even though mas prepared ako,” he added.
Heart of a Champion
Following the series of experiences, Matt shifted his focus to Season 100 and other tournaments across the country. He competed in the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), finishing third.
However, during the PATAFA tournament, he injured his right knee and had plantar fasciitis in both feet. Obiena, now wiser and bolder, took on this challenge with confidence.
“Nag physical therapy ako, then after that mas nag improve ako. Nawala naman yung injury ko. Hindi ako nakapag full intensity agad, I had to relearn kung ano yung mga tamang gawin so that I can jump higher,” he said.
“So ahead of Season 100, it was only mid-February until early March na nakapag train ako ng maayos. During the game na mismo, since this was my first time going back sa NCAA, I knew that I had to perform well,” he went on to share.
Matt’s devotion and love for the sport is astounding, especially given his young age. Despite the fact that his family has had successful careers in the sport, he understands that he must forge his own path.
Making a Name
Matt had a lot of support from his family. Without a doubt, the first person he thinks of is his father, Edward, his first coach, who is a former national athlete that once held the NCAA record for 4.30m.
Emerson, his uncle and EJ’s father, is the next person up, and he is also a former national athlete. Emerson is also the second highest jumper in their family, with a 4.95m record, and has been Matt’s coach ever since.
Matt kept in touch with his two-time Olympian cousin to seek tips. Despite the fact that Matt and EJ play the same sport, he recognizes that they are on different paths.
“We’re different people. We have different sets of talents and circumstances. For me, I would just try to improve on what I have, and not be pressured because of the last name,” Matt insisted.
“He’s an inspiration, alongside my dad and my uncle. I don’t know if I’ll walk the same path, nothing is for sure, pero I’ll make sure na I get motivated with what he did, and that I will do my best, go for great heights,” he added.
Aside from his family legacy, Matt is more than happy to depart his alma mater with a significant triumph under his name. His career was not easy, but it was all worth it in the end.
