DESPITE A nail-biting start, world No. 2 EJ Obiena secured a finals slot after an electrifying performance in the Men’s Pole Vault qualifiers in the 2024 Summer Olympics. The event occurred earlier today at the Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis, France.  

Maintaining a fighting chance for a coveted podium finish, Obiena finished seventh among the top 12 qualifiers advancing to the medal phase.

Ahead of his Paris stint, Obiena shared in an Instagram post that he was battling physical problems during his preparation period. Despite these adversities, the 28-year-old Tondo native remained optimistic and focused on his campaign.

After sitting out the qualifiers’ 5.40m opening, Obiena started his outing struggling to find his rhythm at 5.60m. The Filipino pole vaulter suffered two failed attempts, opting to pass in hopes of improving his odds at the succeeding height. 

With his Olympic bid on the line, Obiena brushed off the rising tension and successfully cleared his only attempt at 5.70m. Gaining much-needed confidence from his previous jump, the former Atenean executed an effortless clearance at 5.75m, earning him a slot in the finals.

Obiena’s finals event will take place on Tuesday, August 6. Meanwhile, fellow Filipinos Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino will start their athletics stints tomorrow in the Women’s 400m Hurdles and Men’s 110m Hurdles, respectively.