Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena narrowly missed the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing in fourth place due to a technicality. Both EJ Obiena and Bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis (Greece) achieved a height of 5.90 meters. However, Karalis claimed third place due to a countback rule: Karalis successfully cleared his first five heights on his initial attempts, while Obiena had a foul at 5.80 meters. In line with the very close call, he made a statement on social media for the Filipino fans of the ongoing Olympic Games.
Photos: EJ Obiena on Instagram
First, EJ Obiena thanked everyone who has followed his journey, and supported and believed in him. He then went on to express how he felt about the Paris Olympics Pole Vault results. “Fourth place is painful, to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be,” EJ Obiena admitted.
“I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me, and cost a nation I so deeply love, the podium. 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!”
View this post on Instagram
Although the world-class Filipino athlete tries to remain positive, EJ Obiena doesn’t deny the pain. “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 said. “As anyone can imagine the reality is still sinking in and I am processing the outcome.”
Still, EJ Obiena stays hopeful. He went on to say, “I learned a long time ago to take one day at a time, and that’s exactly what I am going to do.”
“Thank you again for your support and standing by me. I love you all, and we all share a common love and pride for the Philippines,” he emphasized before apologizing to his countrymen for failing to stand by gymnastics star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo on the podium. EJ Obiena also promised to make a comeback to watch out for.
Carlos Yulo has already made this an Olympics to remember and I salute him. I am sorry I didn’t join him on the podium but I will be back. ‘The good get up’ as they say. I have been knocked down. But I will get back up.
View this post on Instagram
EJ Obiena has clinched numerous gold medals in prestigious events like the Asian Athletics Championships, Southeast Asian Games, and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships. His exceptional talent has also earned him recognition on the global stage, securing podium finishes and breaking records, solidifying his position as one of the world’s leading pole vaulters.
In case you missed it, pole vaulter Armand Duplantis of Sweden won the gold medal with a world and Olympic record of 6.22 meters. Full story: Armand Duplantis Breaks Olympic and World Pole Vault Records
