EASL: Hiroshima becomes 2nd team to qualify for Final Four Spot
2
EJ Obiena optimistic despite ‘physical problems’ ahead Paris Olympics
Being ranked World No. 2 in the men’s pole vault, Filipino Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is expected to end the Paris Games 2024 with flying colors by having a podium finish and probably take home the gold for the country.
Facing the tall order already, he will be also dealing with added adversity as he has been battling undisclosed “various physical problems” for the past several months.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Obiena said:
PHOTO COURTESY: GMA NETWORK
"I know I've been awfully quiet here and considering what's up this year it's quite odd. Very few know the ins and outs of the past months; and in the sense of clarity and full transparency I wanted to update everyone following this journey of mine,"
"If you had asked me a year ago, how I would envision the ‘perfect' Olympic preparation, well it certainly wouldn't be what has transpired! It has been what can only be termed a bumpy road for me this season.""Despite my best efforts at conditioning, fitness, and discipline, I have been battling with various physical problems since April. I know and fully understand this can happen to athletes training at such intensity and no complaints… But why now?"
"This has meant constant stops and stitching training and competition together with my team as well as we could. I have undergone in the past months, weeks, and days a variety of medical procedures, to hopefully give myself the best shot at the Olympic Games."
"I know these things happen. All athletes at an Olympic level deal with such adversities. I know not everything is in my control. I am an optimist by nature. Can I perform at the highest level? YES, I BELIEVE I CAN!""I am a proud Filipino and that means I am resilient and have weathered far worse situations. I promise you all I will give not 99% but all 100%!"
Obiena didn't mention what he is specifically dealing with, but he vowed that he will be giving it his all in Paris when he starts his quest in reaching the gold on August 3, 4:10 p.m. (Manila time) at the Stade de Paris.
