WORLD No. 5 pole-vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena will be the Philippines’ flag-bearer in the Hanoi Southeast Asian (SEA) Games set on May 12 to 23.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino on Sunday made the announcement after host Vietnam turned down the country’s request to have not just Mr. Obiena but Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn F. Diaz as flag-bearers in the biennial meet as well.
“There could only be one flag-bearer for each country. We nominated Hidilyn and EJ, but it was turned down,” said Mr. Tolentino. “Like Hidilyn, EJ has all the qualifications to be our flag-bearer.”
Mr. Obiena’s selection wasn’t a difficult one as he is one of the Filipino athletes considered as a surefire gold medalist in the event where he owns the current Asian record of 5.93 meters he recorded in the Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria a year back.
Unless disaster struck, no Southeast Asians come close.
“It’s an honor,” said the 26-year-old Mr. Obiena. “I was heading home after training here in Formia [Italy] when I received the message.
“All I can do for now is to train harder and be better, and smarter. I really want to defend my SEA Games title,” he added.
For Ms. Diaz, another cinch to strike gold, backed Mr. Obiena’s appointment.
“I’m very happy to see EJ as our flag-bearer for Team Philippines. I’m happy for him and the rest of the Philippine delegation. I will support him,” said Ms. Diaz.
Mr. Obiena and Ms. Diaz are two of the 656 athletes competing in the 39 of the 40 sports calendared in Hanoi and eyeing to defend the overall title the Filipinos won when the country hosted the SEA Games three years ago.
Mr. Tolentino has high hopes it can be done.
“We are fielding a fighting team,” said the congressman from Tagaytay and PhilCycling chief. — Joey Villar