BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Filipino athlete Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has made waves at the Paris Olympics 2024. Proudly representing the Philippines with total determination, Obiena delivered a stellar performance, competing in the Men’s Pole Vault event. As he warms up and winds down after each round, Obiena was seen sporting  PUMA’s Deviate NITRO™ 3.

The Olympic Dream

Last August 6 at the Stade de France in Paris, Obiena cleared the 5.85m and 5.90m heights after previously clearing the 5.70m height. The World No. 2 Pole Vaulter ended his Olympic campaign with a 4th place finish, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and fans alike.

The Paris Olympics 2024 marks Obiena’s second appearance at the Olympics, a journey defined by relentless hard work, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Obiena was the first Filipino athlete to clinch a spot at the Paris Olympics after winning a silver medal at the Wanda Diamond League’s Bauhaus Galan in July 2023. His progression from finishing 11th at his debut Olympic appearance to now finishing 4th is a story of perseverance that resonates with athletes and fans alike. 

The Olympic Dream

In an interview with OneSports following the pole vault event, Obiena said, “Even with the fourth place, I’ve done everything I can. I’m proud of the effort of my team, myself, and everybody that made this possible.”

Unmatched Performance with PUMA

As the sole Southeast Asian PUMA ambassador competing at the Olympics, Obiena stood out not only for his performance but also for his choice of footwear while warming up and preparing for the Pole Vault event in Paris. The World No.2 Pole Vaulter, who is also the official ambassador of PUMA Philippines, donned PUMA’s newly-released Deviate NITRO™ 3 as he gets ready for each round and recovers after every jump at the Olympics.

Earlier this year, PUMA dropped the Deviate NITRO™ 3, the latest iteration of its Deviate line. The shoe is designed to push boundaries and redefine speed. Engineered with advanced NITROFOAM™ technology, the latest Deviate model offers enhanced comfort, support, and responsiveness. The carbon fibre PWR Plate provides a smoother, faster running experience. With a padded collar for superior fit and comfort, the Deviate NITRO™ 3 features PUMA’s unrivalled PUMAGRIP for improved traction on various surfaces with a lightweight mesh upper with strategically placed PWR Tape to reinforce areas for added support.

The Deviate NITRO™ 3 is built to help runners and athletes like Obiena achieve new personal bests and elevate their training experience. The latest offering from the Deviate line underscored PUMA’s commitment to equip athletes with the best in athletic technology. 

Journey to Recovery

For Obiena, the doors remain open for a LA Olympics 2028 campaign but he claims he is not looking too far ahead just yet. Obiena’s focus for now is to recover from his injury and to retain his spot as world’s number 2 pole vaulter.

The Filipino Pole Vault Star is also putting his focus on preparing for the “world-class” competition that he is bringing to the Philippines this September. For the first time in five years, Obiena is competing locally in the meet he is organizing which has already been registered with the World Athletics. Obiena is seeking to bring pole vaulters who also competed in Paris. 

To make sure that World Athletics standards are met, Obiena’s team is working with a European consultant. The event, called “Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge,” is set to thrill the Filipino crowd with intense pole vault action.  “I will try to get the Olympic finalists and have a really good competition in the Philippines. I think the country deserves that.” Obiena said in an interview with GMA Integrated News. 

Catch EJ at his meet-and-greet event on September 15, 2024, at 10 AM, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center. The event is open to everyone and free. Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account and stay tuned for the latest updates. 

For more information, please visit www.puma.com

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo Taken by Cignal TV