EJ Obiena gets hyped ahead of pole vault qualifications

FILE–Team Philippines’ top pole vaulter EJ Obiena finally begins his campaign in the Paris Olympics 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

MANILA, Philippines—One of Team Philippines’ stars will finally take the spotlight on Saturday in the Paris Olympics 2024.

EJ Obiena will be seeing action in the qualification of the men’s pole vault competition at Stade de France at 4:10 pm (Philippine time) alongside a star-studded competition pool.

“Qualification tomorrow at 10am CET. Made it in one piece! So [I] better make it count! #ParaSaBayan,” wrote Obiena in an Instagram post.

SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024

A few weeks ago, the world No. 2 pole vaulter bared that he has been battling with difficulties in training, saying his preparations for the Paris Olympics was “not how he envisioned” it to be.

“If you had asked me a year ago how I would envision the “perfect” Olympic preparation, well it certainly wouldn’t be what has transpired! It has been what can only be termed a bumpy road for me this season,” wrote Obien.

Now his training culminates on the world’s grandest stage as he gets another shot at an Olympic medal.

READ: Paris Olympics: EJ Obiena opens quest for pole vault immortality

Obiena’s toughest opponent would be the world’s best Mondo Duplantis of Sweden, who holds the world record at 6.23m.

Third-ranked Sam Kendricks of the USA will also be competing, setting up a clash of three of the world’s best at the sport.

Kurtis Marschall of Australia will also be a threat to be reckoned with as the fifth-ranked pole vaulter of the world.