EJ Obiena exchanges jokes with world record holder Armand Duplantis after taking the podium in Rome

Elite pole vaulters EJ Obiena and Armand Duplantis of Sweden resorted to exchanging jokes as the competitive atmosphere simmered at the Roma Diamond League on Thursday.

In a video posted on Facebook by Philippine Athletics Association consultant Jim Lafferty, Obiena and Duplantis were seen having a moment of light after the podiums at the world-class tournament.

Duplantis dominated the event with a new outdoor world record of 6.15m, while Obiena took the bronze medal at 5.80m.

“What made you jump high today?” Obiena asked Duplantis, imitating a reporter.

“You, brother,” Duplantis replied jokingly. “You’re jumping really good, so I had to jump with you, man.”

“Was that my trash talking?” Obiena asked laughing.

“Yeah! You’re talking shit, so I answered a bit,” Duplantis laughed.

They both laughed before Obiena congratulated Duplantis on his feat, saying “Well done, well done.”

The two were referring to the Olympic Channel article on Obiena, which she refuted in a lengthy Instagram post a few days ago.

The original title of the article was “Philippine Eagle EJ Obiena: ‘Armand [Duplantis] It’s good, but I can be the best. ‘

“To be clear: I have never spoken to the Olympic Channel or made such statements,” Obiena wrote. “Although, of course, I am confident in my own abilities and potential, I respect all my competitors and most of them are my friends.”

“I would never say anything to belittle my competition.”