EJ Obiena sets sights on ‘Diamond’ and 4 key tournaments

The Philippines’ Ernest Obiena competes during the Mondo Classic pole vault competition in gala format at the IFU Arena in Uppsala on February 2, 2023. (Photo by Fredrik SANDBERG / TT News Agency / AFP) / Sweden OUT

Every meaningful thing that Ernest John Obiena does from the time he stepped out of a forgettable Tokyo Olympics two years ago has been outlined to reap the rewards the 2024 Paris Olympics could bring.

“Everything I’ve done in this journey my goal is Paris and this is something I promised,’’ said Obiena, who is now in Manila after completing his indoor season in the European circuit.

The world’s No. 3 vaulter finished 11th in the Tokyo Summer Games, a performance he vowed to improve on in the next Olympics.

“I want to make sure that’s the best version of me on that day,’’ said Obiena after his training on Tuesday morning at the track and field oval of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

Great strides

Though the global quadrennial Games in the French capital is more than a year away, the Italy-based Obiena has been making great strides after Tokyo, winning a chunk of his tournaments in Europe lately.

The main tier of competition for the 6-foot-2 Asian record holder are the meets in the Diamond circuit where he could garner world ranking points, but several championships scheduled this year are equally important.

“I would be focusing on the Diamond circuit, but there are also four major championships that I would be eyeing,’’ said Obiena.

Topnotch vaulters

These championships that the 27-year-old from Tondo, Manila, is talking about are the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 5 to 17, the Asian Athletics Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, in July 12 to 16, the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 19 to 27 and Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

According to Obiena, he’s also in town to push the pole vault competition that he’s planning to hold during the summer where the topnotch vaulters in the world have been invited.

“There are a few who already agreed to come over, but it would be premature to announce who gave their promise to me,’’ said Obiena, who will return to Formia, Italy, on Feb. 27.

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