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EJ Obiena buildup for Paris 2024 still up for discussion, says PATAFA chief: 'We'll see how he feels'


It remains unclear whether EJ Obiena will look to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics to build on his performance in these Tokyo Games.

The Filipino pole vaulter reached the finals of the men's pole vault but bowed out of contention after being unsuccessful in clearing the 5.80 meter mark Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium.

He had to convince the officials to let him re-do his final jump after his time began running down while the uprights were still being moved, but was ultimately unable to clear the mark in the end.

After his exit, supporters were quick to rally behind the 25-year-old ace, cheering him early for the 2024 Summer Games.

However, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Philip Ella Juico said it will still be up for discussion with Obiena and his family.

"We still have to talk about it. We have to talk about how he feels after the Tokyo Games and how he feels competing in Paris," Juico told GMA News Online in a phone interview shortly after Obiena's last jump.

"I'm not yet sure as of now."

Juico said Obiena wants to finish his studies at the University Santo Tomas, where he still has at least two semesters left.

"He still has to finish his studies but we'll talk about it."

Obiena is currently no. 6 in the world ranking with his personal best of 5.87m.

—JMB, GMA News