Filipino Olympians EJ Obiena, right, and Carlos Yulo bump fists.–Photo from EJ Obiena’s Instagram
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena insisted there is no rift between him and Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
Obiena on Wednesday posted a picture of him and Yulo on social media and described rumors saying they are not in good terms as “misleading” and “fabricated.”
“I have hoped and tried to stay silent and not fuel anymore of the misleading stories. It’s a sad state of affairs when stories are fabricated to get clicks and likes and shares. Journalism is a noble profession driven by FACTS. It’s a shame it is sometimes abused,” Obiena wrote.
READ: EJ Obiena still wants to finish his degree at UST
“I am friends with Caloy and have been for many years. And for decades to come,” he added. “I don’t compete with my friend Caloy and I deeply respect him. He is a great champion for our country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country.”
Obiena, who narrowly missed a medal finish in the Paris Olympics 2024, also said he’s not the type who comments about other people’s private lives, especially Yulo’s as a sign of respect.
“That’s why it’s called “Private life”. It’s personal. It’s nobody else’s business. Because I embrace these values, I never comment on someone else’s personal life,” said the two-time Olympian. “I have never made a single comment regarding Caloy’s private life and I never shall. Any assertion otherwise is outright libel. I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life this is one of those times.”
Obiena is currently recovering from a spine injury, which forced him to cut his 2024 season short.
READ: EJ Obiena ends his 2024 season due to persistent back injury
The 28-year-old Obiena and Yulo both represented the Philippines in the Tokyo and Paris Games.
Obiena narrowly missed the podium in Paris last August while Yulo made history by winning floor exercise and vault golds in men’s artistic gymnastics.
“If you ever want to know what I say, come here or my other social media and you’ll see it. If some clickbait site is making up stories to suck you into the drama, [recognize] it for what it is. It’s abuse. It’s not journalism,” Obiena said. “That’s it. Thank you and I shall have no further comment on the matter. I am focused on getting ready for the upcoming season. Let’s focus on cheering our athletes on, instead of creating false drama to sell advertising space.”