EJ Obiena reveals technique that paved way for record-breaking 6-meter jump

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena recently made another entry in the record books by becoming the first Asian in history to jump over six meters. The remarkable feat ultimately allowed him to conquer the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway, and become one of the select few who have cleared the height.

"Finally!" That's what many fans and netizens exhaled as Obiena made the breakthrough. After all, he failed clearing six meters before. So, what changed? 

In a Zoom interview with News5 on Sunday, the 27-year-old revealed that he has been using a different approach, specifically on the number of steps he takes before catapulting himself.

The pride of Tondo, Manila elaborated that they have been devoting their preparations for this new technique of choice.

“Everything built up for me to be able to compete with 20 steps,” Obiena told News5's Martie Bautista.

It all started with a dream to jump over 5m and set the National Record to now be the 24th person all-time to go over the 6m barrier and the first ever Asian/Filipino.#parasabayan #puma #allianz #ayalaland #summitdrinkingwater #porschedesign #milo #puregold #rebiscoextreme pic.twitter.com/kK40WM4zBG

— EJ Obiena (@ejobienapv) June 11, 2023

Obiena, who used to employ the 18-step technique, is sold on his new weapon. However, he’s quick to admit that a lot of work remains undone.

“The problem is I’m still quite very inconsistent. It’s still not clean. I’m still not perfect on the runway. That means there’s still a lot of work to do,” the Tokyo Olympian admitted.

The world no. 3 pole vaulter reiterated how crucial it is that he perfects his run on the 20-step takeoff technique, which he says can pave the way for him to make new breakthroughs during the pole vault season.  

“This is my first year doing the 20-step. It’s a bit of a work in progress. This is something new but it’s definitely showing the potential that I could do. So. I’m sticking with this. I believe this is the right thing to do,” Obiena explained.

"The more consistent I am on my run, the bigger the pole that I could get, the bigger the risks I could do, and the higher the heights I could actually achieve," he added. 

EJ’s next stop is in Oslo for the Bislett Games on the 15th of June. There, his supporters will get to see if the 20-step approach will once again pay dividends.  

(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)

(GM)