FILE–Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
MANILA, Philippines—Amid all his son EJ’s achievements to date, Emerson Obiena seems like a second stint within the Olympics seems like “only a bonus.”
Emerson, who was in attendance throughout the Philippine Airways’ particular dinner for the nation’s Paris-bound athletes for the 2024 Olympics at Century Park Resort on Wednesday, stated he’s already immensely happy with his son even earlier than the Paris Summer time Video games the place his EJ will get one other shot at a historic medal.
“Effectively, to inform you the reality, that is only a bonus,” stated Emerson in Filipino. “My dream after I began instructing pole vaulting was to develop world-class athletes. I’m already very happy with the achievements he’s made.”
READ: EJ Obiena nabs gold in Poland tilt as Paris Olympics looms
Emerson wasn’t only a father to EJ in his early years of coaching to turn out to be a world class pole vaulter.
After reaching triumph throughout his heyday as a pole vaulter himself, even profitable a medal within the 1993 Southeast Asian Video games, Emerson turned to coaching EJ to turn out to be the place he’s now because the world No. 2
From his humble beginnings at College of Santo Tomas to the world stage, Emerson has been behind EJ all the best way.
However even Emerson acknowledged the up-and-down season that EJ’s been having this yr with only a few weeks to go earlier than the Paris Olympics late in July.
READ: EJ Obiena embraces duty as Asia’s prime observe and subject athlete
If he had something to say about it, having a rocky stint is regular for an athlete, particularly contemplating EJ’s gear mishaps previously.
“In his previous competitions, his drawback was his gear,” defined Emerson.
“Perhaps someplace alongside the best way, that they had a mishandling or an accident with the gear so he wasn’t prepared for these. His falls had been harmful,” he added.
Emerson additionally revealed that EJ’s hips had been stretched throughout the season but it surely was nothing severe.
READ: The distinction between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis
It looks like EJ continues to be fairing effectively with the competitors regardless of his hardships, profitable gold within the Irena Szewinska Memorial on Friday together with his highest leap of the yr at 5.97 meters.
Whereas the season has been rocky for EJ, Paris shall be a distinct beast and Emerson acknowledged one of many athletes that EJ shall be dealing with in France in a number of weeks.
And Emerson is aware of all eyes shall be on world No. 1 Mondo Duplantis.
“Something can occur on the subject of sport time. Till it’s over, it’s a must to have hope. Mondo is without doubt one of the biggest. His caliber is much from the same old pole vaulters.”
“Nonetheless, as you recognize, individuals make errors. Typically they’ve ups or downs so we will’t say what can occur there [in Paris]. I’m simply hoping. No matter coloration the medal is, it’s okay with me and I’ll be pleased.”
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Earlier than Paris, EJ will compete in Poznan, Poland on Sunday, Manila time.
