EJ Obiena soared above the competition to claim the San Miguel Corp.-PSA Athlete of the Year award, capping off a stellar 2023 filled with record-breaking performances and golden triumphs. His three major international gold medals, Olympic qualification, and rise to world No. 2 made him an unstoppable choice for the top honor.
Obiena etched his name in history by joining the elite 6-meter club at the World Athletics Championships, securing a silver medal. He dominated the Asian scene, setting new records at the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Athletics Championships, and Asian Games, even claiming gold in Hangzhou.
The 28-year-old’s achievements outshone strong contenders like the gold-medal winning Gilas Pilipinas and the history-making women’s national football team. This marks a significant victory for track and field, as Obiena becomes the first recipient of the award since 2009, solidifying his position as a national hero and inspiration.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 2, 2024
