EJ determined to regain old magic

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena knows too well that the road back to his old self when he peaked at No. 2 in the world pole vault rankings is going to be long and treacherous.

Now at No. 14, the many-time Asian and Southeast Asian champion is determined to get things done even if it takes him brick by brick to get there.

Triumph Monday in the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial in Poznan, Poland where he cleared 5.72 meters is a great first step towards that direction.

“Happy with the progress,” said Obiena on his social media account. “The height and numbers are yet to come but I’m happy to come away with the gold.”

Of course, Obiena’s career-best performance came three years ago in the World Athletics Championships where he registered six meters flat and claimed the silver.

The chase to duplicate or eclipse it continues for Obiena who is to see action in more events including the Fly Athens Street Pole Vault scheduled Sunday in Greece.

There, he will face tougher foes including Greek Emmanouil Karalis, who has now occupied Obiena’s old place at No. 2, and Olympic gold winner Renaud Lavillenie of France.