ERNEST John (EJ) Obiena, the world’s third-ranked Filipino pole vaulter, will be missing the entire 2024 season due to a spine stress fracture, but he plans to return early next year to compete indoors.
Now that the World Athletics Diamond League in Zurich and Switzerland has concluded, Obiena is focusing on his recovery in preparation for the forthcoming indoor season early next year.
The Filipino pole vaulter made this statement during his successful hosting of the “High Flying Hangout” meet and greet event on September 15, hosted at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
Obiena has failed to hold a single training session since announcing his early season end in 2024 and returning to the Philippines. However, he is taking his time and intends to fully recover first.
“Recovery is going well. Of course we’ll know in a few weeks, we’ll need to do an MRI scan and make sure the bone is completely healed. Then we can push again and we can train,” he told the media during the event.
“I can’t [train]. Basically the doctor said I can do indoor cycling and yoga, so not much. Right now I’m trying to push for certain changes with the sports.”
“The season is done. Big ones are done, wala nang competition. I would not take part of that, I really would prepare for the indoor season next year which would be January, February to around late March,” he went on to say.
Emerson Obiena, the father of the Filipino star pole vaulter, has stated that his son’s injury is not serious. The only thing he needs right now is adequate rest so that he can fully recuperate.
“Stress fracture hindi naman ano katulad ng sabi ng iba fracture talaga. It’s a stress fracture, he just needs rest,” the Obiena patriarch said on his son EJ’s injury status.
“So ngayon wala siyang ginagawang training, no weight bearing, no high impact na activities. Hopefully pagbalik niya doon, mag-heal ng maayos.”
“Hopefully, praying for that, pagkatapos ng testing niya doon malalaman natin ano susunod. So far wala naman siyang iniindang ngayon,” Emerson added.
Meanwhile, Obiena seized the opportunity to convey his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received not only during the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Diamond League, but also now that he is in rehabilitation.
The meet and greet session was also a success, with volleyball sensation Alyssa Valdez, two-time SEA Games gold medalist Jamie Lim, and PH Women’s football captain Hali Long joining him to treat 300 of his followers.
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