Pinoy pole vaulter settles for silver behind Rio Olympics champion
It may have fallen short of his expectations, but Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena was glad to feel the competitive atmosphere once again after seven long months.
Obiena, the country’s first qualifier to the Tokyo Games rescheduled next year, cleared the height at 5.45 meters in his second and third attempt to place behind 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Thiago Braz of Brazil.
Braz, one of Obiena’s training partners in a facility in Formia, leapt 5.50m while Max Mandusic of Italy came in third at 5.35m.
The change of routine from months of pure training has lifted the spirits of Obiena. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has altered the schedule of tournaments across the globe, but some events are slowly returning.
“It was definitely fun,” Obiena told the Manila Bulletin. “Adrenaline finally kicked in and the feeling of competition is finally here again.”
Obiena said it wasn’t the result he hoped for, but was glad to shake off the rust after months of non-competition.
“I would say it isn’t bad, but was expecting for better result,” he said. “I faltered and made a lot of mistakes during the competition.”
Still, it gave him the change to learn from his mistakes as he keeps his sights to the Olympics.