EJ Obiena on 2024 Paris Olympics journey: 'I am measured by my career'
Failure can feel heavy, but it's also a part of growth and learning. Take it from Pinoy pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who ended his 2024 Paris Olympics campaign in fourth place after failing to clear the 5.95m bar at the men's pole vault final.
On his social media pages, Obiena wrote his "two immediate conclusions" about his journey at this year's Olympics.
According to him, true character isn't defined by "singular events," but by one's overall contributions and accomplishments.
"The measure of a man or woman is not a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time." Hence, he emphasized that finishing 4th in the Olympics will not determine his life as he is "measured by his career."
"I finished 4th in Paris, close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career," he said while assuring everyone that he will make everyone proud in the next season.
"I commit to everyone now, 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 continued, "You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine Flag raised and raised on a global stage."
Still, Obiena thanked his supporters for all the love and support he received throughout his career.
"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!"
Obiena apologizes
Obiena, the world's no. 2 in men's pole vault, missed all three tries at 5.95 meters, placing fourth in the competition—an improvement from his performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he placed 11th.
In an interview with One Sports, he apologized for falling short of a podium finish.
"There's a lot of things that happened this year," Obiena said after the competition on Tuesday, Aug. 6. "I'm thankful that I got to the finals, definitely, but at the same time, I was disappointed. It wasn't far."
"I apologize. I promise[d] I'm gonna go back after Tokyo (Olympics), and I did," Obiena said. "But... I came up short. I'm sorry," he continued.
Obiena said being in the fourth place is "painful" and the "harshest place to be."
"I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love—the podium. I apologize 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!" he continued.
He said it "hurts to be this close to an Olympic Medal," but he will "get back up" in the next competition.
Sweden's Mondo Duplantis, the world's no. 1, grabbed the gold. He also cleared 6.25m, breaking his own record. America's Sam Kendricks, the world's no. 3, finished with silver, while Greece's Emmanouil Karalis, the world's no. 8, got bronze.
Earlier this 2024, the 28-year-old Obiena was named Athlete of the Year by the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association.
He holds the Asian record, 6.00m, which he cleared at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Obiena will receive P500,000 as a reward from the local government of Manila.
He is also set to stage a Manila meet with some Olympic pole vault finalists this Sept. 20 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.