EJ Obiena hopes Hokett Delos Santos, Elijah Cole can compete in SEA Games, too

EJ Obiena is ready to pass the torch in Philippine pole vaulting.

The 29-year-old Obiena said that while the 2025 Southeast Asian Games is currently on his calendar, he also hopes for the possible inclusion of Hokett Delos Santos and Elijah Cole in the national lineup.

"That’s in the picture. I talked to my coach, we gotta do what we gotta do. I’m trying to get Hokett and, of course, the next guys in," Obiena said, moments after winning the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati on Sunday.

"Right now, it’s on my calendar, it’s in my plan. But if Hokett can win it, and Elijah, I would love to have them really battle it out and gain the experience of winning a Southeast Asian Games. But we’ll see. Hokett is in good shape, Elijah is getting there, so we’ll see."

Obiena has dominated the SEA Games pole vault event for the past three editions, including setting a tournament record of 5.65 meters in Cambodia in 2023.

However, he now says he is ready to pass the SEA Games baton to younger athletes like Delos Santos and Cole.

"I’m not gonna be here forever, guys. I’m not the oldest one there, but we need the next guys to step up," Obiena added.

Both Delos Santos and Cole have previous SEA Games experience. Delos Santos copped a silver medal in the 2022 edition in Vietnam, while Cole joined Obiena in the 2023 Cambodia Games but recorded a "No Height" finish.

Delos Santos was also among the nine vaulters at the Atletang Ayala tournament, where he put up a brave effort but bowed out after three faults at the opening height of 4.90 meters.

Obiena expressed confidence that both athletes are capable of performing on the big stage.

"As I said, the reason we put Hokett on the stage today was to get him used to competing with the best of the best, under pressure, with expectations. The SEA Games is another stepping stone for these guys," he said.

"I don’t want to take a slot from them if they can win it—and I do believe in them. I know the kind of pressure that’s coming. I’ve seen Hokett perform under pressure, and I know Eli’s training hard. I hope that when the time comes, they’ll be ready."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News