Alyana Nicolas

Filipino-American Pole Vault Star

Alyana Nicolas is a trailblazing Filipino-American pole vaulter who has established herself as the Philippines’ premier female athlete in one of track and field’s most technical and demanding events. Born in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines, and raised in the United States from age 10, Nicolas represents a bridge between two cultures while carrying the pride and aspirations of the Filipino athletics community on the international stage.

Athletic Career and Major Accomplishments

Personal Best

Pole Vault: 4.06 meters (April 13, 2019 – Hayward, California, USA)

This mark stands as her career-best performance and places her among the elite pole vaulters in Southeast Asian history.

2025 Philippine Athletics Championships – Historic Comeback

Gold Medal and National Championship Title (May 2025)

In what can only be described as a triumphant return to form, Nicolas delivered one of the most emotionally significant performances of her career at the 2025 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. On a late Sunday evening, with the hometown crowd roaring its support and as the last woman standing in the competition, Nicolas achieved what had eluded her for six long years.

Clearing 4.00 meters on her first attempt, Nicolas not only successfully defended her Philippine national title but also reached a height she hadn’t achieved since 2019. The significance of this breakthrough moment was evident in her immediate reaction—she covered her mouth with both hands in disbelief, then stood beaming and waved to the appreciative crowd whose support had helped fuel her performance.

“I haven’t hit [4 meters] for so long, so I am proud of myself for doing it at the right place at the right time,” Nicolas said emotionally. “I haven’t jumped four meters since coming over with [former national team member] Natalie Uy in 2019 at National Open in Ilagan [Isabela].”

The victory was made even sweeter by the competitive push from silver medalist Amy Christensen of FilAm Sports, who cleared 3.85 meters. “I have to thank you for Amy for pushing me,” Nicolas acknowledged. “I know that there’s still a lot left in me and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Following her championship-winning jump, Nicolas switched to a stiffer pole and attempted to clear the Asian Athletics Championships qualifying standard of 4.10 meters. While she was unsuccessful in three attempts—attributing the fatigue to the heat, humidity, and the numerous jumps taken throughout the competition—her confidence remained unshaken: “I definitely am pretty confident I can get it. I just took a lot of jumps today, and I’m just getting used to the heat again, and the humidity. But yeah, I’m pretty proud of myself.”

National Championship Record

2-Time Philippine National Champion

• 2019 Philippine National Open Athletics Championships
• 2025 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships

Nicolas’ consistent dominance at the national level has established her as the country’s top female pole vaulter for over half a decade.

2019 Season – Breakthrough Year

The 2019 season marked a pivotal moment in Nicolas’ international career. At the Philippine National Open Athletics Championships in Ilagan, Isabela, in March 2019, she cleared 3.80 meters to claim the silver medal behind Natalie Uy’s record-breaking 4.12-meter performance. This competition showcased the depth of Filipino-American pole vaulting talent and set the stage for both athletes’ participation in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Later that year, Nicolas achieved her personal best of 4.06 meters at a competition in Hayward, California, on April 13, 2019—a mark that remains her career high and demonstrates her capability to compete at elite Southeast Asian levels.

Asian Championships and International Competition

Nicolas has represented the Philippines on the Asian stage, earning recognition as one of the region’s competitive pole vaulters:

Top 8 Finish at Asian Championships (specific year details from World Athletics records)

This achievement demonstrates her ability to compete effectively against Asia’s best pole vaulters, placing her among the continent’s elite in one of athletics’ most technically demanding events.

2019 Southeast Asian Games

Nicolas was selected to represent the Philippines at the 30th Southeast Asian Games held at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium from November 30 to December 11, 2019. The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), led by then-president Philip Juico, had high hopes for a Filipino-American 1-2 finish in the women’s pole vault, with Nicolas and Natalie Uy both prepared to challenge for medals on home soil.

“Both Natalie and Alyana are serious and hardworking athletes, who always want to improve and push the envelope,” said Juico at the time, expressing confidence in both vaulters’ potential.

The experience of competing in front of a home crowd at the newly constructed 20,000-seat New Clark City Athletic Stadium provided invaluable international championship experience and demonstrated Nicolas’ ability to handle the pressure of major games competition.

Educational Background

High School

Mount Pleasant High School (San Jose, California)

Nicolas attended Mount Pleasant High School in San Jose, California—the same institution that produced Filipino Olympian and three-time SEA Games gold medalist Edward Lasquete. During her high school years, she demonstrated multi-event versatility:

• 100-Meter Hurdles: 16.11 seconds
• Long Jump: 4.99 meters
• Triple Jump: 10.47 meters
• Pole Vault: Multiple clearances over 3.20 meters

While her performances in the hurdles and horizontal jumps showed solid all-around athletic ability, it was in the pole vault where Nicolas found her true calling and began to excel at levels that would eventually lead to national representation.

Junior College

San Jose City College (2013-2014)

Nicolas spent two seasons competing for San Jose City College under coach Dave Flynn, where she earned CCCAA All-American honors as a pole vaulter in 2014. Her personal best during this period was 11 feet 4.5 inches (approximately 3.47 meters), achieved in April 2013.

During her junior college career, Nicolas faced a significant administrative challenge: despite clearing heights that would have established new Philippine junior records, these marks could not be officially recognized because she had not yet obtained a Filipino passport. Although she held dual citizenship papers from November 2012, PATAFA regulations required an actual Philippine passport for record ratification. This experience taught her important lessons about the administrative aspects of international athletics and the importance of proper documentation.

University

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) (2015-2017)

Nicolas transferred to CSUN, competing for the Matadors in NCAA Division I athletics. Her collegiate career at the highest level of American college athletics spanned three seasons:

2017 (Redshirt Senior Season):

• Big West Conference Championship: Silver medal with clearance of 12 feet 10.25 inches (3.92 meters)
• Outdoor Season Best: 12 feet 11.5 inches (3.95 meters) at Fresno State Invitational
• Indoor Season Best: 12 feet 10.75 inches (3.93 meters) at UW Open
• Academic Honor: Named Academic All-MPSF

2016 (Redshirt Junior Season):

• MPSF Indoor Championships: 7th place with season-best 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 meters)
• Academic Honor: Named Academic All-MPSF
• Did not compete outdoor season

2015 (Redshirt Sophomore Season):

• Big West Outdoor Championships: 11th place with 11 feet 4.25 inches (3.46 meters)
• Season Best: 12 feet 3.5 inches (3.74 meters) at CSUN Challenge
• MPSF Indoor Championships: 20th place

Her time at CSUN demonstrated consistent improvement and competitive success at the NCAA Division I level, while also earning academic recognition through multiple Academic All-MPSF honors—reflecting her commitment to excellence both on the runway and in the classroom.

Coaching and Training

Primary Coach: Edward Lasquete

Nicolas trains under the expert guidance of Edward Lasquete, a legendary figure in Philippine and Filipino-American pole vaulting:

Edward Lasquete’s Credentials:

• Filipino Olympian (1992 Barcelona Olympics)
• 3-Time SEA Games Gold Medalist (1991, 1993, 1995)
• Philippine National Record Holder: 5.00 meters (set at 1992 Olympics)
• SEA Games Champion in 1991 as a Filipino-American athlete

Lasquete, who also attended Mount Pleasant High School before his illustrious career, represents the lineage of Filipino-American pole vaulting excellence that Nicolas now continues. His coaching philosophy combines technical precision with mental preparation, and his first-hand experience competing at the Olympic Games and winning Southeast Asian championships provides invaluable perspective for Nicolas’ development.

The coach-athlete relationship between Lasquete and Nicolas represents a mentorship that extends beyond technical instruction to include cultural connection and understanding of what it means to represent the Philippines as a Filipino-American athlete.

Training Base

San Jose, California

Nicolas maintains her primary training base in San Jose, California, where she has access to high-quality facilities and the coaching expertise of Lasquete. This arrangement allows her to train year-round in favorable California weather while making periodic trips to the Philippines for national competitions and international events based in the region.

The training regimen for elite pole vaulters is extraordinarily demanding, requiring:

• Technical Work: Countless repetitions of approach runs, plant positions, swing techniques, and bar clearance mechanics
• Strength Training: Upper body strength for the pole plant and pull, core strength for the swing and inversion, and lower body power for the approach and takeoff
• Speed Development: Sprint work to maximize approach velocity
• Flexibility: Extensive mobility work for the complex movements required during flight
• Pole Selection and Management: Understanding different pole ratings and selecting appropriate equipment for varying conditions

Personal Background and Heritage

Early Life and Immigration

Born on August 29, 1994, in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines, Alyana Joyce Martinez Nicolas comes from a family with deep Filipino roots. Her mother hails from Laguna province, while her father comes from Pangasinan—two regions with proud athletic traditions. At the age of 10, Nicolas and her family relocated to the United States, settling in San Jose, California, where she would eventually discover and develop her pole vaulting talent.

Growing up as a Filipino-American, Nicolas navigated two cultural worlds while maintaining strong ties to her Philippine heritage. This dual identity would ultimately shape her athletic career, as she chose to represent the Philippines internationally despite being raised and educated in the United States.

Representing the Philippines

Nicolas’ decision to compete for the Philippines reflects a deep connection to her birthplace and heritage. As she explained during the 2019 SEA Games preparations: “I was born in Quezon City but I grew up in Pagsanjan, Laguna. I’m very excited. The Filipino people here are very welcoming. It’s really fun to see everybody working together and I’m just really excited for all the people watching us even in practice. It’s really awesome.”

Her genuine enthusiasm for representing the Philippines has endeared her to Filipino athletics fans, who have embraced her as one of their own. The warmth and support she receives from the Philippine athletics community, particularly evident during her 2025 championship victory at New Clark City, has become a source of motivation and pride for the athlete.

Dual Citizenship and Identity

Nicolas’ journey to representing the Philippines involved navigating complex citizenship and documentation requirements. Although she obtained dual citizenship papers in November 2012, the requirement for an official Philippine passport meant that some of her early achievements could not be officially recognized as Philippine records. This administrative journey taught her valuable lessons about representing a nation and the responsibilities that come with it.

Today, as a fully credentialed Philippine national team athlete, Nicolas carries the flag with pride and understands the significance of her role as a representative of Filipino athletics on the international stage.

Mental Fortitude and Psychological Development

One of Nicolas’ defining characteristics is her exceptional mental resilience and psychological strength. The five-year gap between 4-meter clearances (2019-2025) could have broken many athletes’ spirits, but Nicolas persevered through this challenging period with determination and unwavering self-belief.

As noted in analyses of her 2025 championship performance: “Beyond physical ability, Alyana’s win is a testament to mental fortitude. The pressure of being the defending champion, competing in front of a home crowd, and attempting a height she hadn’t cleared in years could have rattled many. But Nicolas thrived under pressure.”

She has openly discussed how sports psychology has become a cornerstone of her preparation: “This season, I learned to deal with my thoughts and ignore what used to get in my way. In addition, I try to find the positive everywhere.”

Her approach to overcoming obstacles demonstrates mature emotional intelligence:

• Acknowledging setbacks without being defined by them
• Learning from challenges rather than being discouraged
• Maintaining perspective during difficult periods
• Celebrating victories while recognizing room for continued growth
• Drawing strength from support systems, including coach, training partners, and fans

Competitive Characteristics

Performance Under Pressure

Nicolas has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to deliver when it matters most:

• Clearing 4.00 meters on her first attempt at the 2025 National Championships
• Successfully defending her national title under the weight of expectations
• Performing effectively in front of demanding home crowds
• Rising to the occasion when challenged by competitive rivals

Spirited and Engaging Personality

Described as “bubbly,” “perky,” and “ever-spirited,” Nicolas brings infectious enthusiasm to her sport. Her emotional reactions to successful clearances—covering her mouth in disbelief, beaming with joy, and warmly acknowledging crowd support—have made her a fan favorite and exemplify the passion she brings to competition.

Gratitude and Humility

Despite her status as the Philippines’ top female pole vaulter, Nicolas consistently demonstrates humility and gratitude:

• Thanking training partners for pushing her to higher levels
• Acknowledging the support of coaches, fans, and officials
• Expressing pride in her achievements while recognizing areas for improvement
• Showing appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Philippines

Competitive Spirit

Nicolas thrives in competitive environments where she can match skills with worthy opponents. Her acknowledgment of Amy Christensen’s role in pushing her to the 4-meter clearance in 2025 demonstrates her understanding that great achievements often require great competition to bring out an athlete’s best performance.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Short-Term Goals (2025-2026)

Asian Athletics Championships Qualification: Following her 2025 national championship victory, Nicolas set her sights on qualifying for the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, which required a 4.10-meter clearance. While she narrowly missed this standard at the national championships, she remained confident: “I definitely am pretty confident I can get it.”

Southeast Asian Games: As one of the Philippines’ top medal hopes in athletics, Nicolas eyes podium finishes at upcoming Southeast Asian Games competitions, where she has the potential to challenge for gold medals.

Breaking 4.20 Meters: To truly compete with the region’s elite, Nicolas aims to surpass her personal best of 4.06 meters and reach heights that would place her among Southeast Asia’s all-time best pole vaulters.

Long-Term Aspirations

Olympic Qualification: The ultimate dream for any elite track and field athlete, Nicolas has expressed interest in qualifying for the Olympic Games—a goal that becomes more achievable as she continues to approach and exceed the 4.10-4.20 meter range where Olympic qualifying standards typically sit.

Philippine National Record: While various Filipino-American vaulters have cleared significant heights, establishing an undisputed Philippine national record and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for Philippine pole vaulting remains a motivating goal.

Inspiring the Next Generation: As one of the most visible Filipino pole vaulters, Nicolas recognizes her role in inspiring young Filipino athletes to take up the event. Her success demonstrates that Filipino athletes can compete at high levels in technical field events traditionally dominated by other nations.

Legacy and Impact

Filipino-American Pole Vaulting Pipeline

Nicolas is part of a remarkable lineage of Filipino-American pole vaulters who have elevated Philippine athletics:

Edward Lasquete (her coach) – 3x SEA Games gold medalist, Olympian, national record holder Deborah Sampson – SEA Games medalist, former national record holder Jose Utzurun – SEA Games representative Natalie Uy – Current national record holder (4.20m) Alyana Nicolas – 2x national champion, Asian Championships finalist

This pipeline represents a unique phenomenon in Philippine athletics, where Filipino-Americans trained in U.S. collegiate systems have returned to represent the Philippines with distinction.

Grassroots Impact

Nicolas’ success and visibility have contributed to increased interest in pole vaulting across the Philippines. Her performances serve as “much-needed morale boosters” for Philippine athletics, particularly during challenging periods. Sports officials and development officers have identified her achievements as “rallying points for future investments in athletics infrastructure and coaching.”

The ripple effect of her success is evident in:

• Increased participation in field events among young Filipino athletes
• Growing interest in pole vault programs at schools and clubs
• Greater recognition of the technical and athletic demands of field events
• Inspiration for Filipino-American athletes considering representing the Philippines

Media and Public Engagement

Nicolas maintains an active social media presence, particularly through her Facebook page “Alyana Nicolas Pole Vault,” where she has built a following of over 4,600 supporters. This digital platform allows her to:

• Share training updates and competition results
• Connect with Filipino athletics fans
• Promote the sport of pole vaulting
• Inspire young athletes

The significant uptick in search and engagement metrics following her performances demonstrates the power of her platform and influence on public perception of Philippine track and field.

The Technical Mastery of Pole Vaulting

To fully appreciate Nicolas’ achievements, it’s important to understand the extraordinary technical demands of pole vaulting—often considered track and field’s most complex event:

The Pole Vault Phases:

1. Approach Run: Achieving maximum controlled speed while carrying a long, flexible pole
2. Plant: Precisely timing the pole plant in the box while maintaining speed
3. Takeoff: Converting horizontal velocity to vertical lift through explosive leg drive
4. Swing: Using core strength to swing legs upward while maintaining pole grip
5. Extension/Inversion: Rotating body upside-down as the pole releases its stored energy
6. Bar Clearance: Maneuvering over the bar while avoiding contact
7. Landing: Safely descending onto the landing mat

Each phase requires years of technical refinement, and the margin for error is minimal. Nicolas’ ability to consistently clear 3.85-4.00+ meters demonstrates mastery of these complex mechanics.

Personal Philosophy and Approach

Persistence and Patience

Nicolas’ five-year journey back to 4.00 meters exemplifies the virtue of persistence. Rather than becoming discouraged by the plateau, she continued training, refining technique, and trusting in the process. This patience and long-term perspective represents mature athletic development.

Finding Positivity

Her stated philosophy—”I try to find the positive everywhere”—reflects an optimistic mindset that serves her well through the inevitable ups and downs of elite athletics. This positive outlook helps her maintain motivation during difficult training periods and recover quickly from disappointing competitions.

Strategic Preparation

Nicolas demonstrates intelligent periodization and strategic planning:

• Training in California’s favorable climate for year-round development
• Timing peak performances for major championships
• Carefully managing competition schedules to avoid overuse injuries
• Adapting to different conditions (heat, humidity) when competing in the Philippines

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Despite achieving her competitive goals, Nicolas consistently expresses belief that “there’s still a lot left in me.” This growth mindset prevents complacency and drives continued development even after significant accomplishments.

Overcoming Adversity

Nicolas’ career has been marked by several significant challenges that she has navigated with grace and determination:

The Passport Documentation Issue (2013): Early achievements couldn’t be officially recognized, teaching her important lessons about international athletics administration

Transition to NCAA Division I (2015): Adjusting to the highest level of American college athletics required adaptation and persistence

The Five-Year Plateau (2019-2024): Failing to clear 4.00 meters for an extended period could have derailed her career, but she maintained focus and belief

Competition Pressure: Defending titles and meeting expectations as the Philippines’ top female vaulter requires mental strength

Each challenge has contributed to her development as both an athlete and person, building the resilience that defines her career.

Looking Forward

At 30 years old as of 2025, Nicolas enters a period where many pole vaulters reach their peak performances. The pole vault is unique among track and field events in that athletes often achieve their best marks in their late 20s and early 30s, as technical mastery and experience become as important as raw physical attributes.

Her 2025 resurgence suggests she may be entering a new phase of competitive excellence, with the potential for:

• New personal bests beyond 4.06 meters
• Additional national championships
• Increased international success at Asian and Southeast Asian competitions
• Potential qualification for major championships including Asian Games and beyond
• Continued service as an ambassador for Philippine athletics

Conclusion

Alyana Nicolas represents the best of Filipino-American athletics: technically skilled, mentally strong, gracious in victory, resilient in adversity, and deeply proud of her Philippine heritage. Her journey from Pagsanjan, Laguna, to San Jose, California, and back to represent the Philippines on the international stage embodies the global nature of modern athletics and the powerful draw of national identity.

As a two-time Philippine national champion, Asian Championships finalist, and consistent performer at the highest levels of Southeast Asian athletics, Nicolas has already secured her place in Philippine pole vaulting history. But her story is far from over. With renewed confidence following her 2025 championship breakthrough and goals still to achieve, Nicolas continues to soar—both literally and figuratively—carrying the hopes and pride of Filipino athletics fans with each vault.

Her impact extends beyond medals and records to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to dream big, work hard, and represent their country with excellence and pride.

Alyana Nicolas is a champion, role model, and proud representative of Philippine athletics on the international stage.

Go Alyana!