Filipino pole vault icon EJ Obiena, ranked as the world’s number two, was one of the Philippines' biggest medal hopes at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. With the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders, Obiena entered the games with high expectations, aiming to deliver a historic performance in the men’s pole vault. However, despite his best efforts, Obiena narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the final at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of Tuesday, August 6 (Philippine Standard Time).
The 28-year-old athlete's performance was both a bittersweet and heartbreaking moment for his supporters. Obiena had three attempts to clear the bar at 5.95 meters but was unsuccessful in all three, resulting in him missing out on a podium finish by the slimmest of margins. Despite the setback, Obiena’s fourth-place finish was still a significant improvement from his 11th-place showing at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
As anticipated, the men’s pole vault event was dominated by Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, the world number one and current world record holder. Duplantis continued to solidify his legendary status by not only defending his Olympic crown but also breaking his own world record, clearing an astonishing 6.25 meters in his final attempt. Duplantis’s victory was a showcase of his unparalleled skill and consistency in the sport, setting a new benchmark for future pole vaulters to aspire to.
For Obiena, competing against the likes of Duplantis was both a challenge and an honor. The Swedish pole vaulter’s performance highlighted the level of competition that Obiena was up against, making his fourth-place finish all the more commendable.
In the aftermath of the event, a visibly emotional Obiena addressed the Filipino fans who had been rooting for him. Despite falling short of a medal, Obiena expressed pride in the effort he put into his Olympic campaign but couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“I apologize. I promised I was going to go back after Tokyo and do better. I did, but it didn’t change in my book. I still came up short. I’m sorry. I apologize for it. There’s a lot of things that happened this year. I’m thankful that I got to the final, definitely. But at the same time, I’m disappointed because it wasn’t far. It’s literally the same height. I missed it by one attempt. I missed one attempt and I think that really defined the medalist to the non-medalist. Sports is beautiful but also brutal,” Obiena shared in his interview with the host broadcaster.
Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena became emotional after placing fourth in the men's pole vault finals at the Olympic Games.
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 5, 2024
Obiena opened up about the pain of missing out on an Olympic medal and clarifies he is supportive of the #Paris2024 medalists.#OSOnTheSpot #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/xViBtugpJJ
Obiena’s words resonated with many Filipinos who understood the emotional and physical toll that such a high level of competition demands. His heartfelt apology was a reflection of the immense pressure he felt to deliver for his country, and the deep sense of responsibility he carries as one of the nation’s top athletes.
It’s important to recognize the challenges that Obiena faced in the lead-up to the Olympics. Earlier this year, Obiena confirmed that he had been battling “physical problems” that had required medical attention. These issues forced him to undergo procedures to ensure that he was in the best possible shape for the Games.
Given these circumstances, Obiena’s journey to the final itself was a remarkable achievement. Overcoming physical obstacles to compete at the highest level of his sport is a testament to his resilience and determination. However, as Obiena himself noted, the consistency needed to perform at the Olympic level can be elusive, especially when dealing with injuries and the high-pressure environment of the Games.
“It’s the consistency I’m lacking. I felt like I needed a little bit more time, but it’s the Olympics, it’s not going to wait for anybody. I’m just here doing everything that I can. Even with the fourth place, I would say I have done everything I can to be where I’m at and I’m proud of the effort of my team, myself, and everybody who made this possible. But it doesn’t make it less painful,” Obiena added.
His reflection on the challenges he faced, and the results of his efforts, paints a picture of an athlete who gave everything he had, despite the odds being stacked against him. The Olympic stage is unforgiving, and the difference between winning a medal and finishing just outside the top three can often come down to the smallest of margins.
Obiena’s near-miss in securing a medal also meant that he missed out on the opportunity to make history for the Philippines. Had he medaled, Obiena would have delivered the country’s first Olympic medal in athletics since Miguel White won the bronze in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany.
The weight of this historical context was not lost on Obiena or his supporters. The prospect of ending an 88-year medal drought in athletics added an extra layer of significance to his Olympic campaign. Despite falling short, Obiena’s performance remains a source of pride for many Filipinos who continue to support him in his quest for greatness.
As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, Obiena’s focus will inevitably turn towards the future. The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are now on the horizon, and Obiena has shown that he has the talent and determination to be a serious contender for a medal in the years to come.
In the meantime, Obiena will likely continue to compete in international events, honing his skills and working towards greater consistency in his performances. His journey as an athlete is far from over, and his experiences in Paris will undoubtedly serve as valuable lessons as he prepares for the next chapter in his career.
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