Filipino pole vault icon EJ Obiena had great expectations from his fellow Filipinos as he headed into the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Obiena, the top-ranked pole vaulter in the world was a major medal possibility for the Philippines. But in the face of enormous expectations he was unable to earn a medal, coming in fourth in the men's pole vault final on August 6, Philippine Standard Time at the Stade de France. While the 28-year-old athlete was disappointed with the outcome it was a considerable improvement over his 11th place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
EJ Obiena's path to the 2024 Olympic Games was not without hurdles. Obiena encountered a number of challenges in the run-up to the event. In the months leading up to the Olympics, he fought physical issues that need medical treatment, including operations to guarantee his body was in peak condition for the competition. Despite these efforts, the long-term impact of these challenges are likely to have influenced his performance in Paris.
Obiena's journey has been one of perseverance and resilience. His rise to the top of the pole vaulting world has been a testament to his dedication and hard work. From breaking records to representing the Philippines on the global stage, Obiena has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring Filipino athletes. His journey to the Paris Olympics was filled with both triumphs and tribulations, making his commitment to return stronger all the more admirable.
The men’s pole vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a nail-biting event, with some of the world’s best athletes vying for a spot on the podium. Obiena, despite his best efforts, missed all three of his attempts at 5.95 meters, which ultimately placed him in fourth. While this result was a stark contrast to the hopes and dreams of many Filipinos, it was also a significant step up from his previous Olympic performance in Tokyo, where he finished 11th.
For an athlete of Obiena’s caliber, the difference between standing on the podium and finishing fourth can be a matter of mere centimeters. The level of competition in events like the Olympics is incredibly high, and even the slightest imperfection can be the difference between glory and heartbreak. Obiena’s performance, while not enough for a medal, was a reminder of just how close he is to being one of the best in the world.
Following his performance, Obiena took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to address his fans and supporters. In his heartfelt post, he acknowledged the disappointment of not winning a medal but emphasized that his career is measured by more than just one event. “The measure of a man or woman is NOT a singular event - like the Olympics - but a cumulative or collective measure over time. I finished fourth in Paris, close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career,” Obiena wrote.
Hi everyone 👋. I have been trying to read everyone’s messages to me, post-Olympics. So much to take from it but I draw two immediate conclusions. pic.twitter.com/iWkxnX9GFR
— EJ Obiena (@ejobienapv) August 13, 2024
Obiena’s words reflect the mindset of an elite athlete who understands that setbacks are part of the journey to greatness. His commitment to returning to training and continuing to compete at the highest level demonstrates his determination to not only meet but exceed the expectations placed upon him. “I commit to everyone now, I am back in training, I am back in the game, and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you 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!,” he added.
One of the key challenges that Obiena faces is his ongoing back problem, which he is now focusing on resolving. Injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes, and managing them effectively is crucial to maintaining peak performance. Obiena’s decision to prioritize his health and take the necessary steps to recover fully is a wise move that will likely benefit him in the long run.
Looking ahead, Obiena has set his sights on competing in a couple of Diamond League legs. These competitions will not only help him complete the outdoor season but also ensure that he maintains his world No. 2 ranking. Competing in such high-level events is essential for Obiena to continue improving and staying sharp as he prepares for future challenges, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Despite the setback in Paris, there is no doubt that EJ Obiena will once again be one of the Philippines’ biggest medal hopes at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His improvement from his 11th place finish in Tokyo to fourth in Paris shows a clear upward trajectory in his performance. With the right preparation and a focus on staying healthy, Obiena has the potential to not only compete but to secure a spot on the podium in four years' time.
The journey to Los Angeles will be one filled with challenges, but also with opportunities for growth and redemption. Obiena’s experience in Paris has undoubtedly provided him with valuable lessons that he can carry forward as he continues to represent the Philippines on the global stage. Filipino fans can look forward to seeing their flag fly high once again as Obiena takes on the world’s best in the years to come.
EJ Obiena’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics was filled with both triumphs and challenges. While he may not have secured a medal, his performance was a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience. As he returns to training and prepares for future competitions, there is no doubt that Obiena will continue to fly the Philippine flag high.
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