THE preparations of the Philippines’ and Asia’s top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for his competitions next year will start in two months.
Vitaly Petrov, Obiena’s Ukranian coach, said this after spending time with the 28-year old Obiena over the last three days.
“In September, he will have to do a lot of magnetic scans. He will be able to recover in a month. In training, depending on his recovery, it will be by November,” said Petrov.
For now, Obiena won’t able to do some heavy training because of his injured back and has settled for lighter routines while resting.
“I can’t do outdoor workouts. Just indoor cycling and yoga,” said Obiena after having selfies and engagements with his legions of fans at the “High Flying Hangout with EJ Obiena: A Meet and Greet Event” on Sunday at the Activity Center of the Ayala Mall Manila Bay in Paranaque.
Petrov said Obiena is first preparing for the indoor season this January, the outdoor season in March and the World Championships in September.
In the World Championships, Obiena’s fitness will determine his readiness for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“It is by November when he will start training for the new season,” added Petrov, who spent time with Obiena, along with pole vault legend Sergey Bubka.
During the meet and greet, Obiena and his associates and supporters raised P1.5 million for the construction of three pole vault pits to be distributed to different venues around the country.
“I hope that these pits would be able to raise the next generation of pole vaulters,” said Obiena.
