EJ Obiena to skip Asian Indoor Championships citing issues with pole transportation, finances

Filipino Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena said he will skip the upcoming Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan scheduled on February 10-23.

"I am truly heartbroken to share this news. I shall be unable to participate in the upcoming Asian Indoor Championships next week in Kazakhstan. I won’t be able to bring glory to my country," Obiena wrote in his post on Wednesday.

"I am not injured or sick. I am physically and mentally ready to go. To compete. To fight for gold for The Philippines."

Obiena cited two big issues for his non-participation.

"First, a pole vaulter without his poles is an ineffective pole vaulter. Despite huge efforts from everyone including my federation (PATAFA) and Mr. Capistrano, we are simply unable to get my poles to Astana, Kazakhstan," said the pole vaulter.

"None of the airlines serving Astana will bring the poles. My mentor James Lafferty even worked with Pepsi Kazakhstan to drive the poles from Almaty to Astana. That didn’t work as it’s a 17H drive."

Obiena said even other Asian vaulters have pulled out from the competition for the same reason. "It’s a sad state when the best vaulters in Asia are excluded from competing in the biggest indoor championships in Asia."

The Asian record holder also cited financial issues for his non-participation.

"Despite all the issues of the past supposedly being resolved, my team has not been paid now in over a year.  Payments are caught up in red tape. Unfortunately, some of my team are now threatening to leave Team Obiena. I cannot blame them. Who could work free for over a year? They have families to support and bills to pay. They can’t keep working for free. I can only hope this resolves soon. I am losing a team I desperately need.  Nobody wins alone. It’s always have been a team effort," Obiena explained.

Obiena described his current situation as heartbreaking, but he will still continue training for his next competitions.

"I look ahead to upcoming competitions and I will continue to do my best for my country. That’s the solution and that’s all I can do."

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann said he has gotten in touch Obiena regarding his situation.

"In light of the recent statement of Mr. Ernest John Obiena posted on his social media account, I immediately communicated with him and made internal actions in the PSC," Bachmann said in a statement.

"I also received communication on this matter from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and will continue to speed things up to help their national sports association and Mr. Obiena," he added. "We continue to give the best support we can to our elite athletes."

Obiena recently had four straight podium finishes since he started competing for the indoor season, with two golds from Perche En Or and the Orlen Cup.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News