EJ Obiena scraps rest as he is set to compete in Switzerland tournament

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Tokyo Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena is back in action again after confirming his participation in the Athletissima in Lausanne, Switzerland.

After settling for a finalist finish in the prestigious sporting event, the prized Filipino athlete will be attempting to add another international gold medal under his belt.

However, his road to pole vaulting glory in Switzerland will not come easy as Tokyo Olympics’ gold medalist and world record holder Mondo Duplantis will also join the competition.

Completing the all-star cast in the tournament are silver medalist Chris Nilsen from the United States and top-seeded Renaud Lavillenie of France.

Returning to action is world champion Sam Kendricks who wasn’t able to grace the whole Olympic tournament after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Season is just not over yet. Back in the field next week,” posted the 25-year-old pole vaulter on his Facebook page.

Obiena didn’t choose to come home to the Philippines for their heroes’ welcome and immediately went back to Italy where his training camp was set up.

The University of Santo Tomas star is yet to confirm his arrival in the country as incentives from the MVPSF, the PH government, and other private sponsors are waiting for him.