EJ Obiena shares reason behind pre-jump pole check

Before running and jumping in his competitions, EJ Obiena usually takes a look at his pole, seemingly taking a peek at something.

But what is he taking a look at?

The Filipino Olympian shared in 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda' on Wednesday his pre-jump routine.

"May ano po siya, parang pre-bend. Parang may baluktot siya, may soft side and stiff side. Hinahanap ko 'yun. Pag ganon, makikita kong sakto ang bend sa harap," he said.

"Parang routine lang po."

Obiena also shared in the show how he gets motivated by the crowd and eventually gets focused just before his jump.

"I ask the crowd to clap. Even now talking, I get goosebumps. You have the whole stadium focusing on you and I think that's a very unique experience. I love it," he said.

"'Pag naka-focus talaga, 'yung maririnig 'yung crowd is very rare. When you're zoned in, parang it's quiet somehow."

Obiena, currently the world no. 3, is in the Philippines just days after he announced the conclusion of his 2024 season due to an injury. He will also hold an event on September 15 in lieu of the supposed pole vault meet which was initially scheduled on the 20th.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News