Pole vaulters Alyana Nicolas and Jia Kawachi are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation, proving that women can rise to new heights in a sport only beginning to gain recognition in the Philippines.
Pole vaulting has long been considered a niche discipline in Philippine athletics — demanding, technical, and often overlooked.
But at the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, Filipina athletes proved that not only is the sport gaining ground, it is also becoming a platform for women to rise, inspire, and claim their space.
[ALSO READ: EJ Obiena says Filipino pole vaulters need more exposure to become world-class talents]
National Pole Vault Competition Women’s champion Alyana Nicolas soared to 3.80m, her victory representing more than just a gold medal.
For her, every vault was a step forward for women in sports, breaking barriers and showing the next generation what is possible.
“It’s such an honor and I wish that people, especially women and girls, would try it more,” Nicolas said.
“We’re making progress towards having more access to pole vaulting, especially because of EJ Obiena and events such as this. I think we’re going in the right direction.”
From Gymnastics to Pole Vault
Joining Nicolas on the podium was bronze medalist Jia Kawachi, who cleared 3.40m.
Her path to pole vaulting began in gymnastics, a foundation of strength and discipline that now fuels her rise as one of the country’s promising vaulters.
“My first sport was gymnastics. I was an elite gymnast from age three until about fifteen or sixteen. Sanay ako becoming a student-athlete,” Kawachi shared.
“When I started college, that’s when I tried track and field and stumbled upon pole vault. My gymnastics background really helped me excel and progress.”
For Kawachi, pole vaulting may be a niche, but it is also a powerful reminder that women athletes can thrive in spaces where representation has been scarce.
“It’s very challenging yet very rewarding, not just as an athlete but also as a Filipina athlete,” she said.
“To be given this support really means a lot, and we encourage more people to try. The pole vaulting community in the Philippines is such a friendly community. We embrace everyone who wants to come and join.”
Raising the Bar for Women in Sports
The sight of Nicolas and Kawachi pushing limits is a symbol of progress.
Women are breaking stereotypes and proving that strength and grace can coexist in one of the most demanding events in track and field.
Pole vaulting may still be growing in the Philippines, but the presence of female athletes on the runway changes the narrative.
As EJ Obiena continues to set world-class standards, Filipina vaulters like Nicolas and Kawachi are carving their own path.
Their message is clear: the bar will keep rising, and so will they.
[ALSO READ: EJ Obiena hopes home events like Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge can become annual]
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.