EJ Obiena’s Olympics aspiration remains strong.
SADDLED by back injury and the painful defeat in the Paris Olympics, Ernest John Obiena is making his way back to the runway for yet another go at his Olympics dream.
And he’s taking it one step at a time.
That step was taken on a right foot recenty as Obiena made a strong return, securing the silver medal at the International Jump Meeting Cottbus in Germany.
Obiena, who had been sidelined since last year after fracturing his L5 vertebra, showed impressive form in his comeback performance.
He had announced in August that he would be sitting out the rest of his 2024 season to recover from the injury, but his return to competition marked a significant milestone in his recovery.
The celebrated Filipino athlete leaped the heights of 5.40 meters, 5.55 meters, and 5.65 meters with ease, showcasing his skill and fitness despite the lengthy layoff.
His performances at those heights indicated that he was back to his best, and his form was steadily improving as he aimed for higher marks.
In the Paris Games last year, Obiena – once the World No. 2 – scaled 5.7 meters which was good enough for fourth place.
In Germany, though, when it came time to attempt 5.70 meters, Obiena chose to skip it and focus on 5.75 meters, a height that would ultimately prove to be elusive for him. He made three attempts to clear 5.75 meters, but none were successful, despite his best efforts.
The gold medal went to American pole vaulting star Sam Kendricks, who was the only athlete to surpass 5.75 meters, doing so on his third and final attempt. Kendricks’ performance earned him the top spot, adding another achievement to his decorated career.
In the end, the bronze medal was decided through a countback, with German pole vaulter Bo Kanda Lita Baehre edging out his competitors to take third place. Baehre’s consistency throughout the event helped him secure the medal.
Obiena’s return to international competition was especially significant given the challenges he faced with his back injury, which had a direct impact on his preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite the setback at the Paris Olympics, Obiena’s return to form in Cottbus is a promising sign of his recovery and his potential heading into future competitions. The silver medal performance in Germany is a testament to his resilience and determination.