Manila, Philippines, July 21, 2023: The Philippine Olympic Committee is celebrating the rise to No. 2 in the men’s pole vault world rankings for Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.
In the latest world rankings released on July 18 by World Athletics, Obiena had jumped from third to second place behind Sweden’s Armand Duplantis.
The 23-year-old Olympic and world champion has amassed 1,569 ranking points to retain his lead at the top, and Obiena, 27, has moved into second place with 1,432 points – his highest ever ranking.
Two athletes from the United States, Christopher Nilsen (1,428) and Sam Kendricks (1,352), occupy third and fourth spots, while Brazil’s Thiago Braz is fifth with 1,351 points.
In a Facebook post, the Philippine Olympic Committee said: “EJ Obiena has achieved the remarkable feat of climbing to the second position in the men's pole vault rankings worldwide.
“Formerly holding the third spot, he surpassed American Chris Nilsen, securing the second position with 1,432 ranking points, four points ahead of Nilsen.”
The POC post added: “You may be second in the world but you are number one to us! Mabuhay ka (Long Live), EJ Obiena - Ernest Obiena - All the way.”
The Tokyo Olympian tweeted from Monaco: “Good Morning Philippines. Your very own skinny kid from Tondo (district of Manila), alumni of CKSC (Chiang Kai Shek College, Manila) and UST (University of Santo Tomas), is now world number two.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible. This is not just my accomplishment alone, but everyone’s. This dreamer dares to dream.”
The Tokyo Olympian is regarded as a genuine medal prospect for the Philippines at the Olympic Games in Paris next summer.
(Olympic.PH)