By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – Pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is out to etch his name in the Olympic lore in the 2024 Paris Games here.
And being ranked No. 2 in the world, Obiena, 28, is regarded as one of the country’s top medal hopefuls.
To witness what could be Obiena’s historic leap, a group of Fil-Chinese sports officials arrived in the French capital to show their love and support to inarguably the greatest athlete of Chiang Kai Shek College.
“CKSC is all out for EJ,” said sports patron Eduard Tio. “We want to see EJ make history.”
Tio is with Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation head Natalie Sia, Desmond Sia, Hayley Sia, Estella Maleen Sia, Hayley Sia, Rowland Kim Santos and Jocson Chan.
Obiena’s parents – former national team members Emerson and Jeanette – are also arriving before he competes in the qualifying round on Aug. 3 with the final set on Aug. 5.
He begged off from joining the parade of athletes during the historic opening ceremony at River Seine on Friday to concentrate to what could be his ultimate showdown with reigning world and Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Swizerland.
Obiena has beaten Duplantis only once in their storied rivalry but he is hoping to pull off his sweetest win, and the ultimate one, in the Paris Olympics.
