Mondo Duplantis’ Arch Nemesis Sets Sights on Asian Games Glory After Diamond League Silver

This feels like Mondo’s world and we’re just living in it. Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis’ incredible record-breaking performances have elevated the bar to unprecedented heights. His personal best boasts a remarkable seven centimeters above the next-best in the all-time list. This alone showcases his unparalleled dominance in the sport.

However, we cannot possibly ignore the next best. There is a certain someone from the south of the world who is eyeing something else in addition to the Swede’s throne. To call Duplantis a tough competition would be an understatement. When an Asian athlete is up against Duplantis on the world stage, they have a whole continent cheering for them. And this is where the game begins, Asia!

Duplantis Rival Shares Goal of Wanting to Dominate the Asian Games

In an interview with Sean McAlister from the Olympics Channel, Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena opened up about his next goal, the 2023 Asian Games. “We will see in a few days if I fulfil what I was supposed to do, that it will be a good outing,” he remarked. “This season I’ve been able to so far, knock on wood, hold to what I said I would do, win the things that I’m supposed to win, and jump the heights that I was supposed to jump. It’s been pretty good. Nothing out of the ordinary, I haven’t surprised myself yet but no surprises is still OK. I have high expectations.”

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It is clear that EJ won’t settle for anything less than dominating the continent. He is already a pioneer, the first Asian man to conquer the illustrious six-meter bar. His remarkable achievement is complemented by his status as a two-time gold medalist in Asia. Under different circumstances, Obiena could have rightfully claimed the gold in international athletics as well.

The Task of Catching the Bigger Fish Is Definitely Doable

“You know, this is like a fairytale dreamland story,” He remarked about the challenges he had to overcome to attain the current position he holds. Yes, Duplantis is in a league of his own at the moment. However, the clock is ticking for Paris and Obiena’s aspirations are at an all-time high. 

“I would want a medal but I would want to win,” he said dreaming about clinching the gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I would want to get a gold, it’s something that I believe is still doable, it’s achievable…Success would be winning a medal. Bigger success if I win.” Obiena made all of the Philippines proud by winning silver in the World Championships and the Diamond League final.

EJ Obiena believes that we are currently in the golden age of Filipino sports. Pinoy athletes have emerged as formidable forces in various sports. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz etched her name in history as the country’s inaugural Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2020. Carlos Yulo won multiple gold medals in both the World and Asian Championships for artistic gymnastics. We’re quite privileged as spectators to witness the bright light of this special country’s sportspeople as they shine on the world stage. This is only the start of the golden age of Filipino sports!

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