EJ Obiena shares touching messages from fans after Asian Games gold

EJ Obiena shared some heartfelt messages he received from Filipino fans after winning the Philippines' first gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

On X (formerly Twitter), the pole vaulter reflected that sports can be a nation-building tool as Pinoy supporters congratulated him for his success.

One message was a from Abigail Fabrigas-Tiangsing, a Filipina mom who thanked him for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines.

"I am a homeschooling mom, and I find it difficult to teach love for country to my little boys especially since our family currently lives in China," she said. "By telling your story and watching your games, my kids appreciate their nationality more."

"People like you make us look forward and encourages us to pray for the future of the Philippines. Thank you for your excellence," she added.

Another message is from Kirby Musni, a teacher in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

"My section's name is named after you because we are under the sports curriculum and I know that you will serve as inspiration to my student-athletes. Congrats! Para sa bayan!" he said.

EJ ranks as the no. 2 pole vaulter in the world, behind Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis.

He set the Asian Games record with a 5.90m jump and punched his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 27-year-old athlete was one of the flagbearers for the Asiad, along with Margielyn Didal. The two of them competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

EJ also holds the Asian record of 6.0 meters, which he set during the World Athletics Champions in August.

I have long believed that there is more to pole vaulting than the sport itself. There is more to basketball than the game itself.

Sport transcends sport and can be a nation-building tool. pic.twitter.com/6DQquS8XLY

— EJ Obiena (@ejobienapv) October 5, 2023

—MGP, GMA Integrated News