EJ Obiena apologizes after finishing 4th in Paris Olympics

Philippine bet and world no. 2 EJ Obiena apologized for falling just short in his campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Obiena finished fourth in the pole vault finals as he cleared 5.90 meters, which was also the same height cleared by Greece's Emmanouil Karalis who claimed the bronze medal. However, Obiena fell short of the medal as the Greek bet had less attempts in the first four heights.

In a post, Obiena described being fourth in sports as 'the harshest place to be.'

"I first want to say thank you to everyone who has followed, supported, and believed in me. 4th place is painful to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be," he wrote in the caption of his post.

"I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love—the podium. I apologise for this outcome; such is life as the world of competitive sports can be exhilarating at times, and painful at others. I have experienced both and unfortunately today I am on the other side of it!"

Despite what happened, Obiena highlighted one positive thing from the campaign.

"On a positive note I am proud of what I was actually able to stitch together for this Olympics, with all the struggles that came with this year; but still it hurts to be this close to an Olympic Medal," he said.

"As anyone can imagine the reality is still sinking in and I am processing the outcome.

"I learned a long time ago to take one day at a time, and that’s exactly what I am going to do. Thank you again for your support and standing by me. I love you all, and we all share a common love and pride for the Philippines."

He also highlighted Carlos Yulo's double gold in men's gymnastics.

"Carlos Yulo has already made this an Olympics to remember and I salute him. I am sorry I didn’t join him on the podium but I will be back. “The good get up” as they say. I have been knocked down. But I will get back up."

Earlier, Obiena said he has yet to decide on his return for the Olympics in Los Angeles in four years time.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News