Coach Emerson Obiena, father and mentor of Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, proved he’s still got what it takes after winning gold in the Men’s Pole Vault 60+ category at the 2025 World Masters Games in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
The 60-year-old cleared 3.60 meters to top his age group, showcasing enduring athletic skill despite nursing a foot injury. In an interview with Chinese outlet Brave Athlete, Obiena shared that he had hoped to push further, saying, “Last year I jumped 3.70 meters, and today, I really wanted to jump over 3.75 meters, but I was worried that my injury would get worse… Considering the injury, this result is okay, but I would be happier if I could jump over 3.75 meters.”
Obiena, currently serving as Head Coach for Boys Athletics at the University of Santo Tomas and a national team coach under the Philippine Sports Commission, is no stranger to competition. He joined the Philippine National Pole Vault Team after beginning his athletic career at 24, and won silver and bronze medals at the 1995 and 2005 Southeast Asian Games, respectively.
His achievements span beyond track and field. At 38, he even competed in bodybuilding, joining the 2002 Slimmers World contest. Just last year, he claimed gold and set a new record in the Men’s Pole Vault 55–59 division at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Tarlac.
