Filipino bets EJ Obiena (pole vault) and Carlos Yulo (gymnastics). AFP FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—While pole vaulter EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo both missed out on podium finishes in the Tokyo Olympics, they’re nothing but eager to come back stronger.
A day after his jump in the pole vault final where he wound up 11th, Obiena clarified that he “will be back” although he hasn’t given some thought to competing for the 2024 Paris Games yet.
“I did not come to Tokyo 2020 Olympics to experience the Olympics. I did not come to just ‘Make the final.’ I came to win a medal for my country. This goal was not achieved,” he said in a social media post.
“I hold myself to high standards. I am thus, understandably upset, disappointed, and reflecting so I can learn and improve myself.”
Yulo, who concluded his stint on Monday with a fourth place in the vault final, lent his support to the pole vaulter.
“You make us proud kuya (brother)! Congratulations! Let’s come back stronger kuya,” Yulo commented on Obiena Instagram’s post.
Yulo also said after the competition that he’s determined to “get stronger” and “be better,” starting with another competition next month.
“I want to redeem myself,” he said.
Obiena, meanwhile, said he was still processing his performance in the final and will need some time to announce concrete plans for the next Olympics, but assured he will be back “to win.”
“As I am still digesting what happened [on Tuesday], I ask I be given time to adequately reflect and learn…I am not thinking about 2024 right now. I am thinking about yesterday and gleaning all the learnings I can so I come back better,” posted Obiena on Wednesday.
“You can draw your own conclusions from this. I will be back, and I will be back to win. But I want some time to digest the events of the past week, and especially the past 24 hours,” he added.
