Filipino Olympian pole vaulter addressed fabricated stories circulating between him and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
Photo: EJ Obiena
EJ released a statement in a Facebook post on October 9, calling out netizens to stop fueling misleading stories and making comparisons between them.
“I have hoped and tried to stay silent and not fuel anymore of the misleading stories. It’s a sad state of affairs when stories are fabricated to get clicks and likes and shares. Journalism is a noble profession driven by FACTS. It’s a shame it is sometimes abused,” EJ wrote.
EJ put an end to the misleading stories once and for all, firmly stating that Carlos is a long-time friend.
“I am friends with Caloy and have been for many years. And for decades to come,” EJ asserted.
He added that there is no competition between him and the two-time Olympic gold medalist: “I don’t compete with my friend Caloy and I deeply respect him. He is a great champion for our country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country.”
The 28-year-old pole vaulter asserted that he had never commented on Caloy’s private life and that he would never do so. Otherwise, it is “outright libel.”
“I don’t comment on my private life and I certainly don’t want outsiders commenting on it. That’s why it’s called “Private life”. It’s personal. It’s nobody else’s business. Because I embrace these values, I never comment on someone else’s personal life. I HAVE NEVER MADE A SINGLE COMMENT regarding Caloy’s private life and I never shall. Any assertion otherwise is outright libel. I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life this is one of those times,” he explained.
EJ stressed that this would be his only public statement.
“That’s it. Thank you and I shall have no further comment on the matter. I am focused on getting ready for the upcoming season. Let’s focus on cheering our athletes on, instead of creating false drama to sell advertising space,” EJ concluded his post.
EJ Obiena is currently the world’s number 3 pole vaulter. The 2024 Paris Olympic Games fourth-placer has consistently championed greater support for niche sports like pole vaulting.
ALSO READ: EJ Obiena Apologizes for Not Joining Carlos Yulo on the Podium at the Paris Olympics 2024
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