EJ Obiena ‘not done yet,’ back in training after Paris Olympics

EJ Obiena of Philippines, competes during the men’s pole vault final at the Paris Olympics 2024, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena holds an admirable ability of picking himself up quickly from every failure.

Dejected and heartbroken by a flamed out bid at the recent Paris Summer Games, the drive to rise again won’t be any different in Obiena’s quest for redemption if he decides to do another Olympics in Los Angeles 2028.

“The measure of a man or woman is not a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time,’’ Obiena posted on social media upon his return to Manila on Tuesday.

READ: Health a top priority for EJ Obiena after Paris Olympics run

Placing fourth on the grandest stage in men’s pole vault has now become a distant memory for Obiena, the world’s No. 2 in the sport, as the fire in him to succeed came flooding back.

“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,’’ said the Asian record holder of six meters.

The 28-year-old Obiena nearly grasped the Olympic bronze only to let it slip away after three attempts at 5.95 meters didn’t pan out.

READ: EJ Obiena apologizes for missing out on Paris Olympics medal

Obiena’s missed opportunity turned out to be a blessing for Emmanouil Karalis of Greece, who likewise cleared 5.90m with the Filipino ace, but was flawless in his earlier attempts at lower elevations.

Karalis then joined Olympic record-holder and gold winner Mondo Duplantis of Sweden and silver performer Sam Kendricks of the United States at the awarding ceremony.

EJ Obiena of the Philippines reacts after missing an attempt during the men’s pole vault final at the Paris Olympics 2024, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

“I finished fourth in Paris. Close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career,’’ said Obiena.

READ: EJ Obiena still mulling what’s next after Paris Olympics

Based in Formia, Italy for quite some time, the once scrawny kid from Tondo, Manila rose to become a global figure in the sport, reaching the podium in the world championships twice—a bronze medal in 2022 Eugene, Oregon and silver in 2023 Budapest, Hungary.

Obiena also remains unbeatable in Asia, winning the Asian championships twice and 2023 Asian Games apart from being dominant in the Southeast Asian Games.

While these tournaments have become a usual hunting ground for Obiena, standing on the medal stage of the crown jewel—the Olympics—has eluded him.

Obiena placed 11th in his first trip to the Games in Tokyo 2021 and got himself into the conversation for a medal in Paris prior to finishing fourth.

“You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine flag raised and raised on a global stage. Let’s go on with it,’’ said Obiena with the hashtag #notdoneyet.