EJ Obiena gets clearance after spinal injury, eyes January return
FILE–Philippines’ EJ Obiena prepares to compete in the men’s pole vault qualification of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 3, 2024. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Two-time Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena announced on Tuesday that he’s officially medically cleared after his spinal injury.
In a Facebook post, the Filipino pole vaulter spread the good news and said he has “fully recovered” from his back issues.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: EJ Obiena dealing with back issues heading into Paris Olympics
“Some exciting news I want to share with you all. I’m officially cleared by Dr. Alessandro Napoli and have fully recovered from my lower back injury,” wrote Obiena.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey. I have been MIA (missing in action) here because I have been focusing myself on getting back into shape and be ready by January! Here’s to the start of the 2025 season!!!”
Article continues after this advertisementA few months ago, Obiena called it quits early in the 2024 season due to his persistent back injuries, which have also been a bane of his run in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
READ: EJ Obiena ‘not done yet,’ back in training after Paris Olympics
Last August, the Paris Olympics’ fourth-placer in the men’s pole vault event revealed that he was diagnosed with a “fractured L5 vertebra.”
Prior to his season’s early ending, Obiena placed fifth in the Silesia Diamond League, just two days before his announcement.
Obiena will be watching how this year’s season plays out before officially going back in action for the 2025 season starting January, when he will be “in shape and ready” to represent the Philippines anew.
