Top Filipino pole Vaulter Ernest John Obiena. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena lamented missing out on the honor to carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23.
Obiena was designated as the country’s male flag-bearer but was forced to withdraw due to schedule constraints brought about by stringent health and safety protocols at the Games.
“I proudly accepted the position to raise the flag of the country I was born and raised in, but there are things that are out of my control,” Obiena posted on social media Wednesday.
“I am greatly disheartened to say the least that I was withdrawn to be the flag bearer for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics,” he said. “We will still be holding our head high and reppin the red, blue and white with pride. Thank you for all your support through this tough time, it’s what keeps me going.”
The fast-rising star, who is the sixth-ranked pole vaulter in the world, is among the strong Filipino bets to make the podium.
Filipin-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe is the designated female flag-bearer for Team Philippines.