EJ Obiena believes Philippine sports is in its 'Golden Age' now — but things could still be better

For Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Philippine sports is currently experiencing its "Golden Age."

In an episode of podcast "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel," Obiena said the successful finish of the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics last year is proof of the current sports situation in the country.

"I need to appreciate the good stuff. First is that I think we're in the Golden Age of Philippine sports. First, we just won our first Olympic gold medal, and then we just had the most successful Olympic Games ever in the history of the Philippines [since] joining the Olympics. So, that's one thing that we should appreciate. And I should appreciate it as well," Obiena said.

The Philippines had one gold medal (Hidilyn Diaz), two silver medals (Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam) and one bronze medal (Eumir Marcial) in the Tokyo Games.

However, the situation which he experienced this year also showed that the situation could still be better.

"The second thing is that we are so far behind and there are things that we could do better," Obiena said.

"It's not a secret that I was disappointed, but I really was, in a way, on the verge of not being happy in the place or not being optimistic at the place that I'm at," Obiena said in an apparent reference to his situation with national sports association Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.

"And that's where I kind of realized the importance more. It's like, I understood that if everybody who goes through what I went through, and just suddenly quits and decides Philippine sports is not worth fighting for, then what example am I setting for the next generation?"

"The state of Philippine sports is in a good way, but I do believe it could be better in a lot of different ways, so that's why I am here, that's why I'm sticking. That's why I said, you know, I'm given an opportunity to be part of history and hopefully, the future will be bright for Philippine sports."

Obiena was recently reinstated in the national team, which he described as a "long awaited and just decision."

Watch the full interview here:

— LA, GMA News