EJ Obiena, the latest member of the six-meter club in pole vaulting, has his sights firmly set on the Olympics.
Having successfully cleared the six-meter mark for the first time at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway, Obiena aims to replicate and surpass this accomplishment in his pursuit of Olympic glory.
He now finds himself in a critical phase of his journey to secure a spot in the Olympics.
As the current world number 3, Obiena has the opportunity to directly qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics by meeting the 5.82-meter entry standard at the Stockholm leg of the 2023 Diamond League on July 2.
In an interview with Kom Noli Eala on the Power and Play program, Obiena, the Asian record holder in pole vaulting, expressed his intention to make the most of every opportunity presented in regional and international competitions.
"I am indeed planning to go to these championships because these would give me points for my ranking and these are also very important for the country. These are the medals that, at the end of my career, would be the ones that would probably be standing out so I'll be gunning for [these competitions]," Obiena shared.
Among the upcoming events that he plans to participate in are the Asian Athletics Championship in July, the World Athletics Championship in August, and the Asian Games in September.
However, if Obiena secures his place in the Olympics as early as the Stockholm leg on July 2, his participation in subsequent events is expected to be more certain.
While speaking about his schedule, Obiena acknowledged that the Olympics remains the biggest event, and if he qualifies early, it will make decision-making easier for him.
"The biggest event is still the Olympics so if I've already qualified and it would make it easier for me to decide on things, I would not want to miss these competitions," the three-time SEA Games gold medalist said.
He expressed his desire not to miss these competitions, indicating a strong commitment to representing his country at the highest level.
"We have planned for me to end my season in the Asian Games. So that means I'm supposed to do this and we're supposed to make it. But hopefully, nothing happens [injury-wise] and all should be fine," Obiena shared, highlighting the importance of maintaining his physical condition.
Additionally, Obiena disclosed his intentions to organize a special pole vault event in September for Filipino fans, featuring his international rivals.
However, he mentioned that specific details such as scheduling and logistical arrangements still need to be finalized.
