Hanoi—Asia’s best pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena looked good obliterating the field in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in just two leaps.
But according to Obiena’s Italian physiotherapist Antonio Guglietta, the Tokyo Olympian is still just halfway through his full potential in the Hanoi games.
Now imagine him in his peak form.
“He is just in his middle form in these games” said Guglietta, who was also a part of Obiena’s team during the Tokyo Olympics.
“I think that EJ (will have) a perfect performance in July,” added Guglietta, referring to the World Athletics Championships to be held in Eugene, Oregon in the United States on July 15 to 24, 2022.
On Saturday, Obiena took just one initial leap at 5.4 meters to clinch the pole vault gold medal, and a second one at 5.46 to smash his own SEAG record of 5.45.
With the gold and new record safely tucked in his bag, Obiena then aimed at his own personal best and Asian record of 5.93 by setting the bar at 5.94 meters. He tried thrice but failed.
“Almost there, but masyado pa maaga ‘yung volume ng training, he is not that well rested pa,” said Obiena’s father/coach Emerson, who expects EJ to be a hundred percent in Eugene. “Tapering muna, then doon siya magpi-peak)
But before the World Championships, though, the 26-year-old Obiena will compete on May 29 in a local Italian tournament near Formia, where he trains.