World No. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena admitted that it is a good and bad time to be a pole vaulter in this era with the domination of World No. 1 Armand “Mondo” Duplantis because he is just on another level.
However, Obiena has nothing but love for the guy and shared that competing at such a high level drives him to do even better in the sport.
“It’s a good and a bad time to be a pole vaulter, but I love the guy, really. I think pole vaulting is blessed to have such a character like him. I’m very happy that pole vaulting is at such a high level with good people at the top, and I’m very, very proud to be part of that,” Obiena said in an interview with the Philippine Star.
Duplantis is currently the record holder for pole vault, and most recently even clocked in the third best time in Sweden for a 100m run in a friendly match with Karsten Warholm at the recently held Diamond League, where he beat the track runner.
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“He’s a unicorn with more than just one horn. He’s unique,” Obiena said.
Obiena is back in the country to take a break from training and focus on his health after suffering a spine injury. He is expected to return to competition for the 2025 season.
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