Home for the holidays?

Tokyo Olympic pole vault qualifier EJ Obiena may not know it but there are plans for him to spend the coming holidays with his family at home. He’s been based in Formia, Italy, where the Olympic Training Center is located near coach Vitaly Petrov’s residence since December 2018. His first visit to Formia was in 2014 to train for three months and for the next three years, he shuttled to the Italian town staying three months at a time during college break until finally, relocating.

The other day, Obiena said he has no definite plans of coming home before proceeding to Tokyo for the Olympics set on July 23-Aug. 8 next year. “I still don’t know pero at the moment, mukhang I will be staying here (in Formia) for the offseason,” he said.

PATAFA president Philip Juico said he’d like for Obiena to spend Christmas at home for a change. “If the Philippine athletics championships or the National Open pushes through in early December, EJ will show his wares in our country for the first time since the 2019 SEA Games at New Clark City,” said Juico. “The National Open will be an Olympic qualifier. EJ has spent two Christmases in Formia over the last two years.” Of course, everything will depend on the risks of traveling and if the National Open is actually scheduled during the pandemic. If Obiena competes in the National Open, he’ll surely stay for the holidays then likely go back to Formia for more training until the Olympics.

Juico said Obiena’s resounding performance in the European circuit since last month is “the result of a collective effort, support, encouragement and acts of voluntary kindness not only from the usual supporters but also from people like coach Vitaly and even his fellow competitor Thiago Braz.” He added, “it confirms a common belief that it’s important that you learn to live with others…you may be the best athlete, the best pole vaulter but all of that is for naught if you can’t get along with others or if you don’t command the respect and admiration of your colleagues.” Juico cited Petrov for going beyond the terms of his contract as Obiena’s coach to look after the Filipino standout without any additional compensation. “EJ and PATAFA’s other athletes continue to soldier on despite the obstacles facing them in the true Filipino spirit of honest and hard work,” he noted. “EJ continues to compete against the world’s best and is on track to surpass his personal best of 5.81 with what his father Emerson says are ‘a few adjustments.’”

Juico also confirmed that PATAFA will advance the funding to cover the medical expenses of Olympic pole vault hopeful Natalie Uy who suffered a left wrist injury in a fall caused by a snap of the pole in flight during training in Georgia last July. The initial X-ray failed to reveal a fracture and it was only after the wrist wouldn’t heal that Uy recently decided to consult a hand specialist. An MRI and several X-rays later disclosed the fracture. Since the Fil-Am SEA Games gold medalist will not be under state insurance in Georgia until October, the medical costs are for her personal account. Juico said PSC will take care of the bills and reimburse PATAFA for the advances. If Uy isn’t able to make the Olympic qualifying mark in time for Tokyo because of the injury, Juico said she has a clear path to book a ticket to the 2024 Paris Games.