THE plan was to stay for three weeks, but for one reason or another, Ernest John ‘EJ” Obiena’s vacation was extended a week with Asian men’s pole vault record holder flying to Italy in four days.
To brighten the weekend, Obiena gave out five pairs of Puma athletics shoes to young and aspiring participants who were made to answer trivia questions in track and field to snatch one of the prizes. Not only did Ruto win a pair, but he got a rare privilege of getting photographed with his Tokyo Olympian idol, an experience he’d surely cherish come the time he’ll be in Obiena’s big shoes fighting for flag and country.