'There is more to sport', says appreciative Obiena

Recently-crowned Asiad men's pole vault king EJ Obiena shared on social media the heartfelt messages he received from Filipinos, stating that sports can be a unifying tool for a nation like the Philippines.

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

"Sport transcends sport and can be a nation-building tool."

In one of the messages, a Filipina mother told the second-ranked pole vaulter that her children began appreciating their roots after learning Obiena's story.

"Congratulations, kababayan. Thank you for bringing pride and honor for the Philippines. I am a homeschooling mom, and I find it difficult to teach love for country to my little boys esp since our family currently lives in China. By telling your story and watching your games, my kids appreciate their nationality more. Following the news about our politics, economy, etc. can be disheartening. But people like you make us look forward and encourages us to pray for the future of the Philippines. Thank you for your excellence."

In another message, a teacher from Cabanatuan City informed Obiena that his section's name was named after him to serve as inspiration.

"I am from DepEd Cabanatuan City and 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. congratss!! para sa bayan!!"

Changing nationality amid the rift between him and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and its then-President Philip Juico in 2021 never crossed Obiena's mind, he furthered.

"I love my country. And that's why even in the darkest hours of the controversy of 2021, I never seriously considered offers from any other country. I was born Filipino, and I shall always be Filipino!"

"Because of this, beyond the press stories and gold medals, chat messages like these from kababayans matter most to me. I am helping build a nation. And this matters most."

Capping a busy 2023 outdoor season with a gold in the 19th Asian Games, Obiena takes a much-needed rest before returning to his preparations for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.