Philippines pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena vowed to return to his sport and start training as soon as possible after falling short of a podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Obiena, who finished fourth in the men's pole vaulting event at the recently concluded global games, addressed his fans in a post on his Instagram account. The 28-year-old athlete thanked everyone who supported him throughout his journey in France, especially his fellow Filipinos, despite failing to bring home a medal.
"To be loved at times like this, by the country that raised me. I am indeed blessed!! Thank you!" he wrote.
The world number two-ranked vaulter also recognized that despite his fourth-place finish, one event does not define his worth or achievements.
"I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career," Obiena wrote, before adding that he is committed to getting back to training to make his supporters "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!"
Obiena was a favorite to medal after a stellar performance in the season leading up to the Olympics. He secured gold medals at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championship and the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. He also won silver at the 2023 World Championships.
As of July 23, 2024, the athlete is ranked as the world number two in men's pole vaulting by the World Athletics Rankings. He follows Armand Duplantis, the Swedish vaulter who currently holds the world record at 6.25 meters (indoor) and 6.22 meters (outdoor).
Duplantis won the gold in Paris, while USA's Sam Kendricks secured the silver and Greece's Emmanouil Karalis took home the bronze.
Obiena tied Karalis with a 5.90 final clearance but the former was earlier eliminated after failing his three attempts at 5.95 meters.
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