EJ Obiena targets 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after Asian Games title
Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena defended his Asian Games title and set a new Games record of 5.91 meters in Nagoya, Japan, before outlining his plans to target the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Defending the Asian Games Title in Nagoya
His clearance of 5.91 meters matched his season-best mark and established a new competition record for the Asiad. The victory capped an extensive competitive stretch that began in January across Europe and China.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Hurdles After Paris
The 30-year-old athlete spent much of the past two years navigating difficult periods following a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics, where he missed the podium, stating, I didn’t know if I should continue or not. I think I never truly digested that. And things continued. The season didn’t stop, and I needed to stop because of my health. Then the next year, I was hungry to prove to everyone that I am who I believe I am,
and adding, And I think that’s not the right mindset, at least at that point in time.
His ranking dipped from the top 10 down to 15 amidst health complications and mounting pressure. Obiena admitted that his immediate instinct to prove his capabilities led to further physical strain, resulting in an early exit at the world championships where he failed to qualify for the final. Hosting the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault at home in September 2025 helped reignite his enthusiasm for the sport, though clearing the 5.80-meter barrier remained an elusive challenge for months, as he admitted to his coach, If I keep jumping like this, I think maybe I’ve run the course. My time has passed. It’s a game of a young man’s game. So maybe it is indeed my time,
and If I don’t jump any, at least a single bar over 5.80 this year, or at least jump comfortably, I think I need some, I gotta do some thinking.
He also said, For me, this season has been a welcome sight to see. The last two years have been rough for me. Missing the podium in Paris, falling out of the top 10 and falling as low as 15.
Training Relocation and the Path to Los Angeles
To break through his plateau, Obiena parted ways with his longtime coach and mentor Vitaly Petrov in Formia, Italy. He relocated his training base to Athens, Greece, to work alongside his friend and fellow Olympian Emmanouil Karalis. Equipped with a refreshed perspective, Obiena confirmed his intention to pursue qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating, LA is the goal. I defended my title here, and I think I’m, like I said, I have a lot of upside. It’s just a matter of time. We will see. But again, I can’t predict the future. If I could, I would,
and But I can promise you that I’m going to give it my all. It’s going to be a tough qualification. But I believe I’m on the right path, in a better path, let’s say, going to LA. And the first step for that is to qualify.
As long as his physical condition holds and he maintains enjoyment for competition, he plans to continue his career, adding, I feel like I can do this for another couple of years if my body holds up. And, you know, God willing, I think
Obiena returns to international preparation holding a personal best of 5.91 meters, set in Japan.
