THINGS continue to look up for Olympic-bound pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, who was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of 2024, becoming the latest athlete to be bestowed the prestigious accolade.
Obiena, 28, announced on his official Facebook page on Monday night that Jaycees Philippines, which gives out the annual TOYM Awards, has selected him as one of its awardees.
According to the Jaycees Philippine website, the TOYM Award “has become an institution, having developed a reputation for its selectiveness of outstanding young men and women, whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of their countrymen, as well as to the advancement of their fields of endeavor.”
“It is truly a great honor to be one of this year’s TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) of Philippines for 2024,” Obiena said.
“Last January, I expressed my admiration for people who, without a doubt, have shaped and contributed to the progress of our country more than a pole vaulter like me: teachers who shape the minds of kids; farmers who feed people; and physicians, nurses, and firefighters who save lives,” he noted.
“Two months later, I find myself in the company of these exceptional people, some, if not all, in fields that are directly shaping a nation’s future,” he added.
“For me, as a guy who uses a pole to jump over a bar, being named one of The Outstanding Young Men is an honor and proof that no matter how humble one’s craft (is), as long as it is pursued with great passion, dedication, and excellence, it can be leveraged to help shape a better and stronger Philippines,” Obiena said.
“By recognizing outstanding young Filipinos, the TOYM hopes to highlight inspiring examples that will motivate the younger generations to attain greater heights of personal achievement and professional accomplishment, in the spirit of selfless service to humanity,” Jaycees Philippines said.
Obiena is the 16th athlete to make it to the TOYM honor roll, with the last being former Ateneo Blue Eagle and Rain or Shine cager Chris Tiu in 2014.
Other athletes who have received TOYM Awards were pro boxer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde in 1960, tennis player Johnny Jose (1960), car driver Dodjie Laurel (1964), chess player Eugene Torre (1974), bowler Paeng Nepomuceno (1978), boxer Luisito Espinosa (1989), swimmer Eric Buhain (1991), runner Lydia de Vega (1992), long jumper Elma Muros (1995), boxer Onyok Velasco (1996), golfer Dorothy Delasin (2001), pro boxer Manny Pacquiao (2004), mountain-climber Romy Garduce (2006) and football player Chieffy Caligdong (2012).
