THOMASIAN pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena will carry the Philippine flag alongside fellow Olympian Margielyn Didal in the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Asian Games.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino made the announcement on Monday, Sept.18.
The continental multisports event will kick off on Sept. 23 at the Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, China.
Obiena, the world No. 2 pole vaulter, will try to exceed his seventh-place finish in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Didal, on the other hand, will defend her title in the women’s street skateboarding event.
Emerson Obiena, EJ’s father, said his son has come a long way since 2018.
“Malayo na talaga ‘yung narating ni EJ in terms of technique at saka ‘yung lakas. Mas matured na ‘yung katawan niya and mas nagiging efficient na rin ‘yung mga techniques niya,” he told the Varsitarian.
“Mas mataas ‘yung nakikita ko na chances na makatalon pa siya nang mas mataas kaysa sa six meters kasi mas consistent na siya doon sa lower height,” he added.
The former UST trackster currently holds the Asian best of 6.00 meters he recorded in the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway last June 10.
Most recent feat
Earlier today, Obiena clinched the silver medal in the Wanda Diamond League Final to conclude the annual athletics series in Oregon, United States.
The Paris-bound Obiena cleared the Olympic height of 5.82 meters on his second attempt to secure the second spot.
The world No. 2 pole vaulter skipped the 5.92-meter bar and headed straight to the 6.02-meter mark to break his personal best of 6.00 meters but he failed in three attempts.
Sweden’s Armand Duplantis shattered his own world record of 6.22 meters as he vaulted 6.23 meters on his first try to top the tournament. This is the seventh time he has broken the world record.
United States’ Sam Kendricks copped the bronze medal after eclipsing 5.72 meters in one attempt.
