Pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena, one of the Filipino athletes who recently qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is currently in Italy for training despite the COVID-19 threat.
Fortunately, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association head Philip Juico confirmed that the athlete is in Formia City, located hundreds of miles away from the virus-struck Northern Italy.
"He's still training in Formia, Italy but stays outside the training center," Juico said.
Italy is one of the COVID-19 hotspots with over 4,000 deaths due to the virus.
Additionally, Juico assured that Obiena will be safe as he is being constantly reminded of the precautionary measures against COVID-19 transmission.
"He's with his coach. They know the rules and should be following them: Soap hands and social distancing," he said. "His training continues."
Obiena earned his spot in the Olympics after he cleared 5.81 meters in a tournament in Chiara, Italy. Since then, he became the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the biggest quadrennial sporting event in Tokyo.
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