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Ernest Obiena of the Philippines competes in the Mondo Classic pole vault competition in a gala format at the IFU Arena in Uppsala on February 2, 2023. (Photo by Fredrik SANDBERG / TT News Agency / AFP) / Sweden OUT
Every important thing that Ernest John Obiena has done since his exit from the forgettable Tokyo Olympics two years ago has been underlined in order to get the prize that the Paris 2024 Olympics could hold.
“Everything I have done on this trip, my destination is Paris and this is what I promised,” said Obiena, who is currently in Manila after completing the indoor season on the European circuit.
The world No. 3 vaulter finished 11th at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, a feat he promises to improve on at the next Olympics.
“I want to make sure that I am the best version of myself that day,” Obiena said after Tuesday morning’s practice at the track and field oval of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.
A big step
Although the global quadrennial games in the French capital are more than a year away, Italy-based Obiena has made big strides after Tokyo, winning several tournaments in Europe lately.
The main level of competition for the 6-foot-2 Asian record holder is the matches on the Diamond circuit where he can earn world ranking points, but several championships scheduled this year are also important.
“I will focus on the Diamond circuit, but there are also four major championships that I will focus on,” Obiena said.
Topnotch vaulters
The championships that the 27-year-old Tondo, Manila player is talking about are the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from May 5 to 17, the Asian Athletics Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, from July 12 to 16, the World Athletics Championships in Budapest , Hungary, from August 19 to 27 and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8.
According to Obiena, he is also in town to promote the planned pole vaulting competition to be held in the summer where the world’s top performers have been invited.
“Some have agreed to come, but it will be premature to announce who has promised me,” said Obiena, who will return to Formia, Italy, on February 27.
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