EJ Obiena shares his recovery from a spinal injury and renewed focus on the outdoor season, embracing resilience in his journey back to peak form.
Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena endured a year of pain, perseverance, and unwavering hope in 2024.
A vertebral fracture forced him to endure intense pain and adapt his technique just to keep his Olympic dream alive. Yet, despite his determination, fate had other plans.
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Speaking with Noli Eala on One PH’s Power and Play, Obiena provided an update on his spinal injury.
“I don’t think I’m back just yet. The back is healthy. It’s way better. I need to find my rhythm again,” Obiena shared.
“I healed by the end of 2024 and I am happy to say my back is fine. I am also happy to say that training is looking better and in some aspects better than they have ever been,” he wrote in a recent Instagram post.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Though his body has recovered, the road to peak form is still an uphill battle.
Missing several tournaments due to his injury, which cut his 2024 season short, Obiena admitted that he lacks the necessary competitions to qualify for the World Indoor Championships and will have to sit it out.
"Even though there is still time to qualify for the World Indoor Championships, there are no more competitions left for me to participate," he stated in a lengthy social media post on Tuesday.
"The last competition was on the 16th of February in Torun, Poland and the next one that I got is Mondo Classic on the 13th of March, which is already outside the qualification period. I can promise you all that my team and I have scoured the calendar for possible competitions but no luck. With this I would inevitably miss the championships."
INDOOR SEASON RECAP
Obiena last competed on February 17 at the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland, where he cleared a season-best 5.80 meters to claim the gold medal.
Ranked fourth in the world, he kicked off the year with a silver medal at the International Springer-Meeting Cottbus on January 30.
He then topped the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in France on February 9, before falling short of defending his indoor title at Istaf Indoor the following day.
SHIFTING FOCUS TO OUTDOOR SEASON
With the indoor season now behind him, Obiena is shifting his focus to the outdoor competitions.
"The indoor season is always a backseat to the outdoor season. I will hence prioritize and prepare for the upcoming outdoor competition. This is when I would represent the country in the World Championships, Asian Championships, and SEA Games," he explained.
"The key is to go into the outdoor season healthy and ready to compete at the highest level."
Obiena is not just working to regain momentum; he is also embracing patience and a new mindset.
“Last year, I lost some things. I couldn’t run, I couldn’t train as much. This time, I want to be patient but aware that I need to be ready for the outdoor season,” he said in his interview with Noli Eala.
READ: 'I’ll be back': World no. 3 EJ Obiena announces break from pole vault competitions due to back injury
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
For Obiena, success is no longer just about winning medals—it’s about building a lasting legacy. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, he is focused on inspiring the next generation, launching pole vault clinics across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to make the sport more accessible to young Filipinos.
“I hope to see someone from your city represent the country in the SEA Games. That’s already a win for me,” he said.
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Often compared to world record holder Armand Duplantis, Obiena remains committed to his own journey, determined to carve his own legacy in the sport.
“I don’t really think about him or any other guy. I’m just building momentum for summer,” he stated, prioritizing self-improvement over competition.
As the holder of the Asian record at 6.0 meters, the 29-year-old believes his best performances are still ahead.
"Believe me, I am in a much better shape than what the result is reflecting and I am not stopping there. Next Stop before Outdoors, Mondo Classic! Thank you for your support and understanding. I believe my best vaults are ahead."
As Obiena enters the outdoor season, he carries not just his ambitions but the hopes of a nation and the dreams of future pole vaulters.
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