EJ Obiena says he is back in training to compete for the rest of the pole vault season. "You are going to see more from me," he wrote.
EJ Obiena is back in the game.
A few days mulling the next step in his career, world no. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena vows to continue competing for the rest of the season.
"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," he wrote in a social media post. "You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine flag raised and raised on a global stage."
Obiena shared a heartfelt apology to the Filipinos after his performance, saying that he came up short.
[ALSO READ: EJ Obiena apologizes after "painful" finish results in barely missing Olympic medal for Paris 2024]
After failing to clear 5.95 meters despite recording a personal best of six meters, the pole vaulter had to mull what was next for him.
His priority, he said, was his health.
[ALSO READ: What's next for EJ Obiena? World no. 2 pole vaulter mulls options, but shares priority after Paris 2024]
Later, Obiena and his advisor Jim Lafferty revealed the pole vaulter was suffering from a recurring issue in the lumbar part of his spine.
"He's had some issues in the connective issues, which led to muscle spasming, pain, and the inability to vault," Lafferty explained.
"This started two years ago, and he's had a denervation to the nerve that was causing all the issues. It allows him to compete and go on without any risk to his long-term health," he added.
Obiena flew to Italy for a procedure to take out the inflammation and pain some days before the Olympics.
[ALSO READ: “I couldn't move right away” | EJ Obiena reveals details on spine injury prior to Paris 2024 campaign]
On Tuesday, Obiena said he drew inspiration from the messages of support he received.
"I am filled with gratitude for the support of all of you, and to be loved at times like this, by the country that raised me. I am indeed blessed!! Thank you!"
"The measure of a man or woman is NOT a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time," Obiena added.
"I finished fourth in Paris, close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career. I commit to everyone now."