The wards of noted Ukrainian mentor Vitaly Petrov are now controlling pole vault in Asia.
In a social media post, newly-minted Asian Games champion EJ Obiena celebrated the victories of his training partners under Petrov in Huang Bokai of China and Hussain Asim Al Hizam of Saudi Arabia, who clinched the silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men’s pole vault event of the 19th Asian Games. Aside from the Asian Games, Obiena, Bokaiu and Al Hizam also dominated the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Pattaya, Thailand last July with Obiena claiming the gold, Al Hizam taking the silver medal and Bokai clinching the bronze medal.
“Petrov Bois!!! Honored to share the podium with my buddies for the second time this year,” Obiena said in a social media post.
“Day-to-day training is more fun with people who have the same passion and commitment. Iron sharpens iron!”
Obiena made history in the Asian Games as he soared to a new meet record of 5.90 meters and claimed the Philippines’ first gold medal since Lydia De Vega-Mercado emerged victorious in the women’s 100-meter gold medal in Seoul edition in 1986.
Aside from Asian tournaments, the three pole vaulters are also seen competing in tournaments in Europe along with the likes of world champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden and world No. 3 Christopher Nilsen of the United States.
