EJ Obiena apologizes for missing out on Paris Olympics medal

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)

MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena turned emotional and was apologetic after coming up empty-handed in the men’s pole vault final at the Paris Olympics 2024 early Tuesday (Manila time) at State de France.

Obiena fell just an attempt short of bagging the bronze that would have ended the Philippines’ 88-year medal drought in the Olympics in athletics.

After clearing 5.90m, Obiena missed all his three tries at 5.95m to wind up in fourth place.

READ: EJ Obiena narrowly misses pole vault medal in Paris Olympics

“It’s painful. I missed a medal by one jump and it wasn’t far on all my attempts at [5.95m],” Obiena said in an interview with ONE Sports PH.

“I apologize. I promised I’m gonna go back after Tokyo and do better. I did, but it didn’t change in my book. I still came up short. I’m really sorry. I apologize for it,” added the world No. 2 pole vaulter, who placed 11th in the Tokyo Games.

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

Like Obiena, Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, ranked eighth in the sport, also cleared 5.90m but nipped the Filipino for the last podium spot due to fewer attempts.

Just days before the Olympics, Obiena said he has been battling with “various physical problems” but the 28-year-old felt it was his lack of consistency that spelled the difference.

READ: The difference between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis

“There’s a lot of things that happened this year. I’m thankful I got to the final, definitely. But at the same time, I’m disappointed because it wasn’t far. It’s like literally the same height and I missed it by one attempt. One attempt to an Olympic medal,” Obiena said.

“I think just consistency overall. I missed one attempt. Sports is beautiful but also brutal. I understand that. [It’s the] consistency I’m lacking. I felt like I needed a little bit more time, but it’s the Olympics, it’s not going to wait for anybody. I’m just here doing everything that I can,” he said.

As expected, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis soared to claim the gold after shattering his own world record with a 6.25m clearance. It was the ninth time that the 24-year-old Duplantis had broken the mark.

READ: Duplantis breaks pole vault record in gold medal finish at Olympics

The United States’ Sam Kendricks won the silver at 5.95m.

“Even with the fourth place, I’d say I’ve done everything I can to be where I’m at and I’m proud of the effort of my team, myself, and everybody who made this possible. But it doesn’t make it less painful,” said Obiena, who holds the Asian record at 6.00m.

“I’m happy for everybody who got the medal, they deserve it. I’m happy for my friends. But it doesn’t give me a little bit of shade of less pain.”