PATAFA lauds EJ Obiena for gallant finish of Tokyo campaign

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) was all praises for Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena for a gallant stand in the Tokyo Olympics.

In a statement, PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico said Obiena, currently no. 6 in the world, has shown his desire to win until the last moments where he had to convince game officials for a re-jump.

He had initially failed on his third attempt at 5.80m, but was able to convince the officials to give him another leap, which did not go his way as well as he formally bowed out of contention.

Still, PATAFA commended the 25-year-old for competing against the best of the best in the world.

"You could see the desire was there to win but in accordance with the rules. He knew his rules and rights and set things right," Juico said in a statement obtained by GMA News Online Tuesday night.

"The best is yet to come from EJ and from Philippine Athletics. Mabuhay si EJ. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas."

In an exclusive interview, though, Juico said it is still unsure whether Obiena will come back and compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The official added that it will be discussed with Obiena and his family.

—MGP, GMA News