For the first time in nearly a decade, Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena was able to spend Christmas Day with his family in the Philippines. The athlete's holiday seasons for the past eight years were typically spent overseas due to training camps and competitions.
A Long-Awaited Family Reunion
Obiena marked the special occasion with a heartfelt post on his social media accounts. "For the first time in eight years, finally one with the fam," he shared. The athlete extended warm holiday greetings to his followers, adding, "Merry Christmas, everyone, from my family to yours." This moment of celebration comes after his recent return from the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Triumph Amidst Adversity in 2025
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Obiena, who was diagnosed with a back injury in 2024. Despite this physical hurdle, his performance remained stellar. His campaign this year was highlighted by a major victory at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where he successfully defended his title and secured his fourth consecutive gold medal in the regional biennial meet.
His resilience was further demonstrated with two other key triumphs earlier in the year:
- A gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea last May.
- Another victory at the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge held in the Philippines last September.
Home Soil and Future Horizons
Obiena's return to the Philippines and his ability to celebrate a traditional Filipino Christmas provided a well-deserved respite. This period of rest and family time is crucial for the athlete as he manages his back condition and prepares for future competitions. His successful 2025 season, capped by the SEA Games gold and a cherished holiday at home, underscores his status as one of the Philippines' most dedicated and triumphant sports icons.
