What began as a search for opportunity has now paved the way for others to follow. “Sport is one of the biggest things that I didn’t intend to do,” he says, adding that he initially started pole vaulting because he wanted a better future for himself.

Now, he sees that his hard work has not only inspired young athletes, but it has made it easier for them to take up the sport. “It definitely gives me a bit of a sense of pride, because people’s lives changed [even if] I didn’t intend for it to happen.”

In 2017, Obiena faced what he describes as one of the most formative events of his life: an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury from a botched landing that sidelined him, casting shadows over his dreams. “It really gave me a different perspective after not being able to do the sport for six months,” he recalls.

An ACL injury is one of the most dreaded by athletes across all sports, To many, it is a career-ender. “The question of ‘Do I actually want to pursue this sport’—it all came out,” he shares. “It defined what exactly pole vaulting is for me, what it means to be an Olympian and what it means to actually be able to do the sport I love.”

This injury taught him perspective, helping him realise that, as central as sport was to his life, it wasn’t everything. “That was the time when I fully recognised and understood the role of pole vaulting—it is a powerful tool, but it’s not the most important thing in life.”

Determined to continue, he launched his Olympic quest with renewed clarity and resilience, driven not only by personal goals but also by the support of his family, fans, and country. He told himself: “If I just let myself accept this fate and not even attempt to chase something bigger, greater, then I stand to regret it big time when I am older and look back on the missed opportunity because I caved in.”

His commitment shone brightly during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where, after a strong start, he struggled to surpass 5.95 metres, missing three attempts that would have secured him a medal. Finishing fourth, he nevertheless left the competition with his head held high.

Read more: EJ Obiena leaps ahead of Tokyo finish despite missing podium in Paris 2024 Olympics

The experience reaffirmed his commitment to his sport and to inspiring future generations of Filipino athletes. Today, he helps raise funds to give aspiring Filipino pole vaulters the proper equipment to train, with the goal of building pole vault pits across the country. 

While pole vaulting defines much of his public life, Obiena has a variety of other interests that keep him grounded. He enjoys tennis for its mental challenge, finding it sharpens his resilience under pressure. “In tennis, you get to practise performing under pressure, the break of serve or match point down or set point down,” he says. “And that, for me, keeps me mentally sharp and really [get] into that zone and be really comfortable with performing under pressure.” 

His love for fast cars provides a unique way to unwind, helping him relax while staying intensely focused. “Driving fast cars, for some weird reason, it makes me relax,” he laughs.

A life of purpose also drives him. “The moment I wake up, I know what I want to do,” he explains. “Most athletes have their day planned out before going to sleep, which gives them a sense of purpose and direction.” 

He believes authenticity offers clarity and ease, especially when facing life’s complexities. “It’s hard to be multiple different people. Sometimes you please people, sometimes you're this, sometimes you're that. [In reality], no, you’re just you. Stand your ground,” he says. In turn, this clarity empowers him, allowing him to approach each day with intention.

Part of this means surrounding yourself with those whose values you share. “Your moral compass is defined by your people or the people you surround yourself with,” he says. For Obiena, mentors like Jim Lafferty have provided invaluable balance, helping him keep a clear perspective and stay grounded. These people, he notes, offer him the benefit of seeing “the world, not just from my point of view, but also theirs.”

Read more: Vitaly Petrov, Elmer Pamisa, and more: Get to know the coaches of Filipino Olympians

With fame comes responsibility, and Obiena embraces this fully. He hopes his career serves as a testament to what Filipinos can achieve. “Let’s stop being modest,” he asserts. “I want to show Filipinos that they can.” His pride isn’t limited to his records but extends to his role in inspiring his fellow Filipinos. While pole vault is not an event traditionally dominated by Asians, his achievement show that there is no limit for those who dream big. “Being able to compete with the best of the best shows that we can achieve what we set out to do.”

For Obiena, success isn’t reserved for a select few but is accessible to anyone willing to pursue it. His story sends a powerful message: that excellence knows no bounds, and every effort inspires others to reach for their dreams. “I want to believe that I'm more than just the records I break or the medals I bring home. I always see the sport as a means to an end—a utility for me to leverage because of the power it can bring.”

Science of Success is Tatler’s series dedicated to exploring the principles and practices that lead to achievement in various fields. Through insightful interviews, expert tips and practical techniques, the series delves into the experiences and perspectives of successful individuals, providing readers with strategies to enhance their own paths to success and unlock their full potential. New stories are out every Thursday.

OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES

Corporate executive Jenifer Thien says the road to the top is paved with intention

5 insights on fostering teamwork and achieving collective success from Lenovo’s Fan Ho

7 rules for a successful career in shapeshifting from media personality Myrza Sison