ERNEST John (EJ) Obiena, the top bet Filipino pole vaulter who finished a painful fourth place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will now shift his focus for the rest of the season on regaining his world ranking.
Photo Courtesy: EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena | Facebook
Obiena is currently ranked third in the world, only trailing behind Sweden’s Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis, who established a world record in the largest quadrennial athletics event, and silver medalist Sam Kendricks.
Given that the Filipino missed the podium, the pole vaulter struggled to accept the result at first, feeling as if it was “the end of the world” for him when he failed to deliver on his promise to his home country.
A major heartbreak
On August 6, a day after his stunning loss, Obiena came to Facebook to issue a statement to all of the Filipinos who had supported him, outlining his current situation following his exit.
“I first want to say thank you to everyone who has followed, supported, and believed in me. 4th place is painful to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be,” said Obiena.
“I apologize for this outcome; such is life as the world of competitive sports can be exhilarating at times, and painful at others. I have experienced both and unfortunately today I am on the other side of it!”
Photo Courtesy: EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena | Facebook
“On a positive note I am proud of what I was actually able to stitch together for this Olympics, with all the struggles that came with this year; but still it hurts to be this close to an Olympic Medal,” he added.
Nonetheless, at the end of the post, the 28-year-old Olympian swore to rise back up and outperform his present performance.
The get back
In a subsequent social media post, Obiena stated that he had big realizations after reading the emotional messages he received and the days he had to comprehend the predicament he is presently facing.
“The measure of a man or woman is NOT a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time. I finished 4th in Paris, close but not good enough,” said Obiena.
“I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career. I commit to everyone now, I am back in training, I am back in the game, and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud.”
“You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine Flag raised and raised on a global stage. Let’s get on with it! #notdoneyet,” added the current no. 3 world ranked pole vaulter.
From a proud Manileño
Meanwhile, Obiena’s efforts were not in vain, as every Filipino remains proud of his accomplishments. On August 14, the City of Manila, led by Mayor Honey Lacuña, rewarded him P500,000.
“We congratulate Ernest John Obiena on his best Olympics finish so far in his still young athletics career. The 4th place finish was his best effort at that high-pressure moment,” said Mayor Lacuna.
“Our Manileño pole vaulter from Tondo and fellow Thomasian is proudly and joyfully welcomed in the country’s capital now that he is back home with his family, friends, and neighbors.”
Now that his preparation has begun, Obiena will surely raise the bar higher, in future tournaments in order to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Who knows, maybe third time’s the charm?
