December 24, 2024

Chasing curiosity: EJ Obiena shares plans on reaching greater heights before Paris Olympics

Chasing curiosity: EJ Obiena shares plans on reaching greater heights before Paris Olympics
IG/EJ Obiena

A couple of weeks back, Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena entered the exclusive six-meter club as he cleared that height during the Sparebanken Vest Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway.

It was a new Asian and personal national record.

The 27-year-old Olympian though doesn't think it was perfect. He wants it to be.

"That definitely fuels my curiosity on what I could achieve on a good day, in perfect conditions, on a perfect run, on a perfect jump. What exactly can EJ jump?" Obiena mused to Noli Eala during Saturday's Power & Play on Radyo5.

After smoothing out the tension with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) last year, Obiena has rekindled his fire and his curiosity.

"We have a number I believe is doable for me within the year," Obiena told Eala. "That in itself, the chase is pretty interesting. It fuels you."

And there's no better chance to try it than this year. Because come Olympic year, Obiena has to remain consistent and healthy.

And clearing 5.82 meters of course, but Obiena has displayed the ability to do it at least twice.

"We have planned the season for me. I am supposed to do this, I am supposed to make it. Hopefully, knock on wood, nothing happens," he said.

"When it comes to my choosing to skip a competition because I know it's a health risk, I'll do it."

"The reason why I'm here after Tokyo is Paris."

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