EJ Obiena plans to compete in pole vault indoor season early next year

As the pole vaulting season concluded at the World Athletics Diamond League in Zurich, Switzerland, EJ Obiena, who was absent due to a back injury, has revealed his plans for a comeback early next year.

“I really would prepare for the indoor season next year. January, February, around late March,” the world number three said in a short press conference during his meet-and-greet in a mall in Pasay City.

Obiena’s 2024 season came to an early end after he was diagnosed with a spine injury during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League, where he finished 5th.

Currently, Obiena is limited to indoor cycling and yoga but reports that his recovery is progressing well.

“We'll know in a few weeks. We need to do the MRI scan and make sure that the bone is completely healed,” he explained.

If the MRI results are good, Obiena said he will be starting to train again.

Meanwhile, Obiena’s coach, Vitaly Petrov, who was also present at the event, is confident that Obiena can surpass his personal best of 6.00 meters.

“I see 6.10, 6.15 [meters] is possible for EJ. He is ready for this,” Petrov said.

Obiena echoed his coach’s optimism, expressing his own aspirations.

 “6.10 is something I want to achieve. As I said, I really want to be the best athlete my coach has ever trained.”

Obiena plans to return to Italy on September 22nd. — BM, GMA Integrated News