EJ Obiena apologizes for missing podium at Paris 2024 Olympics
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Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena apologizes for falling short and missing the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Filipino pole vaulter Ernest "EJ" Obiena penned a lengthy message on his social media accounts, apologizing for missing the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
EJ Obiena, rank 2 in the world, placed fourth at the men's pole vault competition after failing to clear 5.95 meters.
Armand Duplantis of Sweden won the gold medal and set a new World and Olympic record. Sam Kendricks of the United States settled for silver while Greece's Emmanouil Karalis bagged the bronze medal.
"I first want to say thank you to everyone who has followed, supported, and believed in me. 4th place is painful to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be," EJ began his message.
"I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love -- the podium."
In the finals of the men's pole vault event, EJ missed on his first attempt at 5.80 meters, which cost him the bronze medal.
He continued, "I apologise for this outcome; such is life as the world of competitive sports can be exhilarating at times, and painful at others. I have experienced both and unfortunately today I am on the other side of it!"
Choosing to stay positive, EJ Obiena promised to bounce ahead as he made a promise to look forward to the future.
"I learned a long time ago to take one day at a time, and that's exactly what I am going to do. Thank you again for your support and standing by me.
"I love you all, and we all share a common love and pride for the Philippines. [Carlos Yulo] has already made this an Olympics to remember and I salute him. I am sorry I didn't join him on the podium but I will be back.
"'The good get up' as they say. I have been knocked down. But I will get back up."
Gymnast Carlos Yulo brought back-to-back gold medals in the men's floor exercise and vault events. Female boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio are also assured of at least a bronze medal as they head into their semi-finals matches in boxing.
Aside from them, get to know these athletes who represented the Philippines at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
