Ernest John “EJ” Obiena no longer worries about the numbers that he’s going into hit as he prepares for the Tokyo Olympics.
Obiena said this as he once again shattered his own Philippine outdoor pole vault mark last Thursday.
“I’m not focusing on any number. I’m happy that I’m getting into higher heights,” said Obiena after clearing 5.87 meters in the Irena Szwewinska Memorial/Bydgoszcz Cup in Poland.
This earned Obiena the silver medal after he finished behind American pole vaulter Chris Nilson, who made it in 5.92 meters.
“It doesn’t matter and this is not just about the competition,” added the 25-year-old Obiena.
Obiena’s feat surpassed the 5.85-meter record that he set in Mossingen, Germany last month.
Polish bet Piotr Lisek of Poland took the bronze with his 5.82-meter effort.
After breaking the national mark on his second try, Obiena went for a height of 5.92 meters, but missed all three tries.
He is now set to go to the Bauhas-Galan, another international athletics meet, on July 4 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium in Sweden.
Obiena said he will get a heavy pole in time for his campaign in the Tokyo Olympics.
He has two poles with him and uses them despite their minor damage during his campaign since the beginning of the year.
His training partner Thiago Braz of Brazil, shared fourth with Lisek.