EJ Obiena opens Paris bid wearing socks with parents' faces printed on it

Just like what he did back in Tokyo, EJ Obiena wore another eye-catching pair of socks to kick off his 2024 Paris Olympics bid on Saturday night. 

This time, though, he flaunted socks with the faces of his parents Emerson and Jeanette printed on it as a way of honoring them and also to get some inspiration as he starts his second straight Olympic appearance.

Obiena showed it to the Philippine Olympic Committee media delegation in Paris, including GMA Integrated News' JP Soriano.

LOOK: EJ's Lucky Socks!

EJ Obiena shows POC Media his socks where his parents' faces are printed. He says he wanted to honor his parents and be inspired while competing. EJ is heading to the finals at the #Paris2024. (Via JP Soriano, POC Media Courtesy: Cignal TV) @gmanews pic.twitter.com/rsxLYf1aLU

— JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) August 3, 2024

Three years ago, the Filipino pole vaulter caught the attention of many when he wore mismatched SpongeBob and Patrick socks in his Summer Games debut in 2021. 

That may have worked this time as well as Obiena avoided a scare to power through and punched his ticket to the finals set early Tuesday at the Stade de France. 

He found himself on the brink of a potential early exit after missing his two attempts at the 5.60 meters. However, he found his groove back, clearing the next height at 5.70 meters and 5.75 meters to advance to the next round alongside 11 other participants. 

The 28-year-old Obiena is currently the Philippines' and Asia's best and is already part of the elite six-meter club.

—with reports from JP Soriano/JKC, GMA Integrated News