Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 4) — As the first Filipino athlete to qualify in the Paris 2024 Olympics, EJ Obiena said he hopes more will join and compete with him in France.
The world number three pole vaulter said he wants the country to have a huge number of participants in next year’s Summer Games.
“I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a lot of Filipinos going to Paris. I hope we send our biggest delegate to this coming Olympics,” he told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk Tuesday.
“I don’t think it’s impossible. Hopefully by the end of 2024, we’ll have some hardware to bring back home,” he added.
The Philippines sent 19 athletes including Obiena in the last edition of the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Obiena said he is eyeing to see action in the major championships happening in the next couple of months like the Asian Championship, World Championship, and Asian Games.
The 27-year-old said he will use these competitions as a ground to improve his performance in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
“I have three major championships this year, and I’m hoping to take part in the World Indoors that I missed last year. I hope I’ll be able to perform better in those championships and compete at the highest level. It’s a busy year and there’s still a lot of things for me to work on,” he said.
