'I will give my best': Pole vaulter EJ Obiena set to begin Olympics bid | Inquirer Sports

‘I will give my best’: Pole vaulter EJ Obiena set to begin Olympics bid

By: - Reporter / @BLozadaINQ
/ 02:44 PM July 30, 2021

Philippine's Ernest John Obiena reacts during the Pole Vault Men competition of the ISTAF INDOOR (Internationales Stadionfest) international athletics meeting on February 5, 2021 in Berlin.

Philippine’s Ernest John Obiena reacts during the Pole Vault Men competition of the ISTAF INDOOR (Internationales Stadionfest) international athletics meeting on February 5, 2021 in Berlin. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—EJ Obiena is set to make his Olympic debut on Saturday in the qualification of the men’s pole vaulting competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Ranked no.6 in the world, Obiena will need to get 5.80 meters or at least be in the top 12 of Group A to advance to the finals.

Article continues after this advertisement

Also in the group are France’s Renaud Lavillenie, the 2012 London Olympics gold medalist and world no.4, and his brother Valentin who is ranked no.8 globally.

FEATURED STORIES

“Would need all your help in earnestly praying for my safety and success,” posted Obiena on Facebook. “I will give my best and the rest is up to You, Lord. Keep my mind, my will, and my body strong.”

Obiena, who owns the national indoor record of 5.87m, is seen as one of the Philippines’ best bets for a medal this year after a string of strong performances leading up to Tokyo.

Article continues after this advertisement

The 25-year-old won two bronze medals in the Diamond League in 2020 and settled for a fourth place finish in 2021.

Article continues after this advertisement

He also captured the gold medal in the 2019 Asian Championships.

Article continues after this advertisement

The athletics scene in Tokyo, however, got into heightened alert after two pole vaulters tested positive for COVID-19.

World no.1 Sam Kendricks of the United States, seen as one of the top podium finishers, was one of those who tested positive.

Article continues after this advertisement

Obiena will compete at Olympic Stadium at 8:40 am.

RELATED STORIES

Extra precautions for EJ Obiena after 2 rivals test positive for COVID-19

Philippines to bring home multiple Olympic medals for first time since 1932

Confident EJ Obiena leaping for big chunk of PH history

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: EJ Obiena, PH Tokyo 2020, Tokyo Olympics

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.