MANILA, Philippines–On his maiden Olympic appearance, Ernest John Obiena felt this is “the strongest, the fastest I have ever been.”
But the battle, according to him, will be fought mentally.
“Mentally, I try to be as strong as I can be,” said Obiena who is competing in one of athletics’ centerpiece events like pole vault.
The reigning Asian champion and Southeast Asian Games king, Obiena is aware of the stiff competition for gold in the Tokyo Games.
Over the past year, he competed against the creme de la creme, including Swede Mondo Duplantis who owns the world record of 6.18 meters; and defending champion Thiago Silva (6.03m) who is his roommate in Formia, Italy traini…
Keep on reading: Obiena focuses on mental fortitude ahead of maiden Olympics stint