Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena shared his condolences on social media following the death of former Track and Field teammate Mervin Guarte.
Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena expressed shock following the tragic death of national team athlete Mervin Guarte, after being stabbed in an incident at Oriental Mindoro on Monday night.
Obiena took to social media where he posted a photo with Guarte and their fellow national team athletes in the Philippine track and field team.
Before competing in Obstacle Course Racing, Guarte was part of the athletics team and won two silver medals in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.
“I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and National Teammate Kuya Mervin Guarte,” said Obiena.
“May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. What a tragedy. Only 33 years old,” he added.
The Philippine sports community was plunged into mourning after Guarte’s death, who was also a two-time SEA Games gold medalist in OCR in 2019 and 2023.
Obiena also reflected on life after the untimely passing of Guarte.
“This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift; as tomorrow is never guaranteed,” he said.
“Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well my friend,” he continued.
Condolences poured for Guarte’s family after his death, including the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation.