Elite pole vaulters EJ Obiena and Armand Duplantis of Sweden resorted to trading jokes when the competitive atmosphere simmered down at the Rome Diamond League on Thursday.
In a video posted on Facebook by Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association consultant Jim Lafferty, Obiena and Duplantis were seen having a light moment after podium finishes in the world-class tournament.
Duplantis ruled the event with a new world outdoor record of 6.15m, while Obiena took the bronze medal with 5.80m.
“What made you jump high today?” Obiena asked Duplantis, imitating a reporter.
“You, bro,” Duplantis answered playfully. “You’re jumping great so I had to jump in with you, man.”
“Was that my trash talking?” Obiena asked with a laugh.
“Yeah! You’re talking sh*t so I kinda answered it,” Duplantis chuckled.
Both laughed before Obiena congratulated Duplantis on his feat, saying “Well done, well done.”
The two were referring to Olympic Channel’s article on Obiena, which he refuted in a lengthy Instagram post a few days ago.
The original title of the article was “Filipino eagle EJ Obiena: ‘Armand is good, but I can be the best.'"
“To be clear: I have never spoken with the Olympic Channel nor did I ever make such statements,” Obiena wrote. “Whilst I am of course confident in my own capabilities and potential, I respect all of my competitors and most of them are my friends.”
“I would never say anything to disparage my competition.”
Obiena has requested the Olympic Channel to remove the quote and correct the title. It has now been changed to “Filipino eagle EJ Obiena: In it to win it.”
With the issue behind their backs, Obiena and Duplantis showed their class act with this video.