Tokyo-bound EJ Obiena continues intensive preps despite pandemic

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena is taking no breaks despite the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of his preparations for Tokyo 2021.

With the ultimate goal of clinching the gold medal for the Filipinos, the Tokyo-bound sports gem is currently outside the PH to further level up his training.

Recently, Obiena joined the Golden Roof Challenge 2020 held in Innsbruck, Austria but the event was temporarily canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Since the Philippines was under lockdown, Obiena and his team decided not to take things lightly so they decided to hold their training online to comply with the government’s safety protocols.

After quarantine levels slid down to a more relaxed one, Obiena’s camp flew abroad for their final circuit training and joined as many pocket tournaments as they can for added exposure in the international stage.

Obiena and his squad landed 1^st place during the recently concluded “Who’s the Finest Pole Vaulter” in Formia, Italy.

Previously, the prized pole vaulter nabbed the third place in the 2020 Herculis Diamond League held at State Louis II, Fontvielle, Monaco.