NAPLES, Italy — There are just two ways world No. 3 EJ Obiena ends up missing the 2024 Paris Olympics.
First is if he accidentally steps on a banana peel that was thrown by a crazed fan during one of the myriad of tournaments he will be taking part in the next few months.
The second is the one that really worries the 27-year-old Obiena, one that should turn his world upside down.
“I don’t think I should be worried unless I get hurt,” the 6-foot-2 Obiena said on Saturday night (early Sunday in Manila) from his homebase in the city of Formia, the Olympic training headquarters of Italian athletes 100 kilometers from this port city.
“But I believe in the ability that I have and I believe in the work that I put in that I should be able to do it if I stay the course.”
Given his recent success, Obiena seems to be poised to get that coveted Olympic slot.
Still, Obiena insists “there are still a lot of variables and until I do it (qualify for the Olympics), then there is still a big possibility that I don’t (make it).”
“If I get hurt, there is a worry because I’m not able to perform the way I should perform.
But, if everything goes to plan, I should be okay,” Obiena said as he prepares to head to Ostrava in the Czech Republic for a high-level competition there this Tuesday.
Although it won’t be until 2 July that Obiena will begin his quest to get a Paris berth, he is putting his best foot forward since world-record holder Armand Duplantis will be around.
“I will be competing with him two consecutive times. One in Ostrava then I will go to his home in Stockton.”
The Czech tournament will serve as Obiena’s final tuneup for the Diamond League in Duplantis’ turf and he intends to jump 5.82 meters or higher so he could set his Olympic buildup in motion.
‘I don’t think I should be worried unless I get hurt.’
“The earlier the better because it will be easier to plan the season and you’re not trying to catch (last-minute) qualifications.”
A couple of weeks ago, Obiena finally broke the six-meter barrier, a feat that cemented his stature further.
While there are those who expect a lot from him given his latest escapade, Obiena swears his sport is tricky and complex.
“Mondo’s (Duplantis) personal-best is 6.22, but he’s not jumping 6.20 everyday,” he said as he defended his inability to match his accomplishment during the Bergen jumpfest in Norway last 10 June.
Obiena would later do 5.82 in his next outing but clarified that it was not out of the ordinary.
“Lane conditions. Nature plays a role in our competitions. Wind, rain, (inaudible). That plays a role.”
And there is even a technical factor.
“Second, the track that we compete in… as much as these are standard, there are tracks that are faster and there are tracks that are worn-down and tracks that are brand-new. And of course, your (physical) condition (also comes into play),” he said.
Given Obiena’s skill-set and winning mentality, it’s just a matter of time before he pulls it off.
