Manila, Philippines, October 16, 2022: President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has vowed to extend all necessary assistance to Ernest John "EJ" Obiena as the pole vault hero prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a short video clip uploaded on state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Marcos thanked Obiena for his "greatest" performance as a Filipino athlete.
"We are grateful to you for bringing pride to the country. I think that is the greatest tribute you can give, the greatest service as an athlete — to bring honour to the Philippines," Marcos told Obiena.
"We look forward to the games in Paris. I hope you do well. If there's anything that we can do to help you, to get better training, just tell me.
“So, thank you very much and I congratulate not only you but also those of you who have supported our champion," he added.
From his historic bronze finish in the 2022 World Athletic Championships in Oregon, USA, Obiena rose from No. 6 to No. 3 in the men's pole vault world ranking while retaining his top ranking in Asia.
He is a strong contender for a podium place in Paris 2024 if he can build on his exceptional form on the European circuit this year.