Applying Tokyo lessons, Obiena strikes silver in Paris and resets own PH mark

The Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena, who came second, competes in the men’s pole vault event during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meet at the Charlety Stadium in Paris on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Lucas BARIOULET / AFP)

Ernest John Obiena’s Olympic dream didn’t stop in Tokyo three weeks ago. In fact, it’s well on its way to Paris.

On the same city that will host the Summer Games next, Obiena on Saturday placed second to the reigning world record holder and Olympic champion in the International Association of Athletics Federations Diamond League athletics meet with an effort of 5.91 meters that reset the Philippine mark that he himself wrote.

“We can say that this is the start of his preparation for the next Olympics,” said his father and coach Emerson Obiena. “Now he is in the process of rebuilding his confidence again.”

The elder Obiena said his son is now starting to apply the lessons he learned from the Tokyo Olympics where he placed 11th.“After Tokyo, he knew what’s lacking in him and he’s moving forward again,” he added.

EJ actually didn’t have a good warm up, according to Emerson, so he decided with 5.45m at Charlety Stadium where live fans were in attendance.

“It’s a good call for him, it’s like he’s having a hard time warming up so he decided to take it slowly,” added Emerson.

European campaign

Not only did Obiena break his previous mark of 5.81m he set in Poland, he also came very close to matching the 5.92m Asian benchmark held by Igor Potapovich of Kazakhstan.

“With his clearance, we think he has a chance of making six meters,” said Emerson.

Obiena established the new PH mark on his very first attempt, securing the silver medal in the prestigious meet won by the phenomenal Mondo Duplantis of Sweden.

“This new Philippine record achieved our goal for our athletes to constantly strive to improve,” said Philippine athletics chief, Philip Ella Juico. “You may not always win gold but you can always improve on your earlier performance and raise the bar, so to speak.”

Duplantis won the gold by clearing 6.01m and later on tried—and failed like in the Olympics—to reset the world mark at 6.19m.After Tokyo, Obiena has since gone back to training in Formia, Italy and is competing around Europe to restart his buildup for the 2024 Games.

Juico said the big crowd at the meet made a difference for Obiena, who had to compete before an empty gallery in the Tokyo Olympics.

“That could have fueled the adrenaline he needed,” said Juico.

Obiena attempted 5.96 but failed to reach it, even as American Christopher Nilsen cleared 5.81m to take bronze. INQ