Dad still got it: Emerson Obiena tops World Masters Games pole vault tilt

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Multi-time SEA Games medalist and athletics coach Emerson Obiena, father of world No. 4 pole vaulter EJ, turns back the hands of time with a gold medal in the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines – The Obiena name truly is synonymous with greatness in the world of pole vault.

At the age of 60, Emerson Obiena, father of world No. 4 vaulter EJ, topped the 2025 World Masters Games pole vault over-60 event in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on May 20.

Owning a career best of 4.95 meters, the elder Obiena turned back the hands of time and cleared 3.6m to win the event, just two years after he returned to occasional pole vault practice and competition.

Despite being way past his prime, Obiena gave an emphatic reminder that he was a 1993 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist and a 2005 bronze winner in the sport, as well as why family members are masters of the craft.

Obiena remains very active in athletics circles, coaching UST high school athletics and other atheltics teams like the NCR pole vault team in the Palarong Pambansa and other grassroots competitions. – Rappler.com