Can’t blame the Philippine Sports Commission for immediately coming to the rescue of world No. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who took to social media last week to express deep concern about his dwindling funds relative to his training and campaign overseas.
As soon as Obiena’s post gained momentum from all corners of the sporting community, PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann put an end to the bleeding by assuming the Italy-based elite athlete that the agency is moving heaven and earth to remedy the problem.
As they say, everything’s going to be alright.
While the PSC was addressing the situation, Obiena received encouraging words not just from his fans but from every Tom, Dick and Harry.
Almost everyone promised to lend a helping hand to raise funds so his training and buildup for the 2024 Paris Olympics proceeds without skipping a single beat.
Obiena then told them that the people involved are attending to his needs and there was no need at this time to get financial help from outside parties tasked to take care of him.
The day after he posted on social media, Obiena showed his worth in competition by placing second behind world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis to add another medal to his growing collection.
Obiena’s rise can be attributed to one thing: Overseas exposure.
Had it not been for his training under topnotch coaches in Europe, he would have stagnated and will probably be just a champion in the Southeast Asian Games or just regarded as one of the best in Asia.
But Obiena is not just a god in the ASEAN region and invincible in the whole of Asia, he is a legitimate world-caliber athlete and a threat to everyone in the sport.
Remember, he once beat Duplantis even though, you know, the Swede had an off-night.
But remember, it takes more than just a bad day for the world’s No. 1 to get beaten.
Obiena simply had the know-how to score upsets because he is world-class.
However, there’s one thing that struck me in this Obiena-PSC episode.
It’s the manner with which Obiena’s concerns were addressed.
The PSC, fearing a fiery backlash from the public, pulled the trigger and guaranteed Obiena that help is on the way.
Obiena’s complaint was not even written on a piece of paper as it ought to be formal and official.
Instead, it was delivered on social media.
Yeah, on Facebook.
It left me wondering if all the other athletes with pressing concerns are given the same attention and importance.
But then again, nobody loves a loser.
Be like EJ.
