Latest Posts

Screenshot

David Washington Named New Ambassador for Tom Ford

Screenshot

Zephaniah: A Stern Warning and A Message of Hope

Screenshot

Obadiah in the Bible: What Can We Learn from His Story?

Defying Limits: EJ Obiena Secures Top 4 Finish in Pole Vault at Paris Olympics, Warming Up in PUMA’s Deviate NITRO™ 3

Screenshot

SHARE

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.

EJ Obiena wearing the Deviate NITRO™ 3 – Photo by Cignal TV

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

EJ Obiena wearing the Deviate NITRO™ 3 – Photo from EJ Obiena Facebook

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.

Deviate NITRO™ 3 – Photo Provided by PUMA Philippines

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

RELATED ARTICLES

Screenshot

Obadiah in the Bible: What Can We Learn from His Story?

Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible, consisting of just one chapter, but it delivers a powerful message. As the prophet who...
Screenshot

Zephaniah: A Stern Warning and A Message of Hope

Zephaniah brings a message that resonates deeply both as a stern warning and as a message of hope. His prophecy, found in the Book of...
Screenshot

David Washington Named New Ambassador for Tom Ford

Tom Ford has unveiled John David Washington as the face of its latest fragrance, Bois Pacifique, marking a new chapter in the brand’s legacy of...
Screenshot

5 Christian Women Celebrities in Film

Hollywood can be a tough place to stay true to one’s faith, but some actresses manage to balance their Christian beliefs with their careers. These...
Screenshot

Lessons from the Life and Prophecy of Hosea in the Bible

Hosea, one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, stands as a powerful voice in the midst of Israel's spiritual crisis. His story,...
Screenshot

Estée Lauder Teams Up with Exuud to Expand Fragrance Portfolio

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Exuud Inc. that promises to redefine the future of fragrance innovation. The exclusive collaboration, revealed...
Screenshot

Obadiah in the Bible: What Can We Learn from His Story?

Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible, consisting of just one chapter, but it delivers a powerful message. As the prophet who...
Screenshot

Zephaniah: A Stern Warning and A Message of Hope

Zephaniah brings a message that resonates deeply both as a stern warning and as a message of hope. His prophecy, found in the Book of...
Screenshot

David Washington Named New Ambassador for Tom Ford

Tom Ford has unveiled John David Washington as the face of its latest fragrance, Bois Pacifique, marking a new chapter in the brand’s legacy of...

Don't Miss

Screenshot

Met Gala 2025 Unveils Dress Code and Star-Studded Host Committee

Screenshot

Serena Williams Joins Kendrick Lamar for ‘Not Like Us’ Performance at Super Bowl Halftime Show

Screenshot

2025 Critics Choice Awards Winners Revealed

Screenshot

Celebrities Spotted at New Orleans for the Super Bowl Event