Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena has begun a new chapter in his athletic career, relocating his training base to Athens, Greece to be led by coach Marcin Szczepanski.
This is also in the middle of his campaign toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bringing the Filipino Olympian closer to world No. 2 Emmanuel Karalis, who he will be training with.
“Training with Emmanuel and his group is definitely a big thing. We have a bunch of different vaulters there, different strengths and weaknesses. I’m not really great at the gym, so I’m not the strongest athlete out there. Having someone that’s actually pretty good and strong pulls me to that direction,” he said.
Obiena said that this setup is exactly what he has been missing. “Training with someone has always been helpful. That’s how I got to World No. 2,” he said.
READ: Healthy, confident Obiena eyes strong showing in Doha Diamond League
He spent close to 10 days in Athens recently to test the environment before fully committing to the change.
“The more days that came, the more positive I felt about the decision I made,” he said.
The facility is at the site of the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Obiena described it as well-equipped, with two tracks, an indoor facility, and a gym. The setup also includes a gym coach and a sprints coach working alongside Szczepanski.
The transition marks the end of a 12-year partnership with Italian-based coach Vitaly Petrov, whom Obiena credited for everything he has achieved in the sport.
READ: EJ Obiena opens 2026 outdoor season with silver in Düsseldorf
“Vitaly has been more than just a coach for me. He’s been a mentor. Probably a second father or grandfather you can say,” Obiena said. “I owe the guy a lot. I really respect him. I love him.”
Under Petrov, Obiena became Asian champion, a world medalist, an Olympic finalist, and the first Asian to clear 6 meters.
“I wouldn’t be here. My vision when I went to Formia the first year was to jump over 5 meters outdoors. Maybe at the end of my career, jump 5.20. That was my vision. This guy, not knowing me, had a bigger vision for my career,” Obiena said.
With LA 2028 firmly in his sights, Obiena said the Greece move is about putting himself in the best possible position to contend for a medal.
“That’s the medal I’m missing. That’s the medal I want to get,” he said.
But for now, he focuses on the Diamond League in Doha set on June 19.
Also competing in Doha is his girlfriend, German triple jumper Caroline Joyeux.