Ernest John “EJ” Obiena doesn’t cower in fear at the sight of world no. 1 and record holder Armand “Mondo” Duplantis of Sweden, No. 3 Piotr Lisek of Poland, no. 5 Christopher Nilsen of the United States and no. 7 Thiago Braz of Brazil, the Rio Olympics champion.
That’s because Obiena himself is perched at no. 6 in the world and is among the best in the sport.
The 25-year-old Obiena realized that he can compete with the best when he saw action against Duplantis and several top 10 pole vaulters many times in Europe.
“It showed that I can compete with the best. It was like a preview,” said Obiena on his numerous encounters with Duplantis and the rest.
On Saturday, Obiena tries to secure one of the 12 medal-round slots at stake in the pole vault competitions of the Summer Olympic Games at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium at 8:40 a.m. (Philippine time).
Even without COVID-19 infected Sam Kendricks of the United States, the field is still filled with the world’s best pole vaulters.
“They are the top athletes in the world rankings. That showed me that I can compete. And now, it’s a mental game,” said Obiena.
In order to qualify to the 12-man finals, a pole vaulter must leap 5.80 meters, a mark Obiena has been breaching in his last several tournaments. This, or the best 12 will advance.
His personal best is 5.87 meters, which he set at the Irena Szwewinska Memorial/Bydgoszcz Cup in Poland, but in order to finish in the podium here, Obiena must target at least 6 meters.
“I know I can jump 6.0 meters. I’m not sure how I got it dialled in. I’ve seen how well I can jump, and I’ve seen what I’m capable of, and make sure that I bring that in the game,” said Obiena during a zoom conference with Filipino scribes.
On Friday, Obiena finally went back to training at the Edogawa Stadium after he was spooked by the situation involving Kendricks, the world no. 2-ranked pole vaulter now out contention in these games.
“May pag-aalala rin dahil uncertain ang situation. Hindi natin nakikita ang kalaban. Kailangan ng higit na pag iingat,” said the Obiena’s father Emerson Obiena.
The Filipino pole vaulter has since recovered from the initial shock of learning of Kendricks’ COVID-19 infection and had a great morning training session with his coach Vitaly Petrov and his father Emerson.
“Would need all your help in earnestly praying for my safety and success. I will give my best and the rest is up to You, Lord. Keep my mind, my will and my body strong,” said Obiena.