EJ Obiena's parents believe pole vaulter will bounce back after heartbreak in Paris

EJ Obiena's parents believe their son will bounce back after a heartbreaking campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

EJ finished fourth in the men's pole vault finals, falling just short of an Olympic medal.

In an interview, EJ's mother Jeanette said his son gave a good fight.

"He gave a good fight.. I know my son, he will bounce back better," Jeanette said in JP Soriano's report on Saksi. "Ang akin lang is you did your best."

EJ's father Emerson, who also served as EJ's first coach, also encouraged his son to try again after processing all his emotions.

"Kung kailangan niya na ilabas 'yung sama ng loob niya, kung kailangan niyang iiyak eh 'di iiyak niya," Emerson said. "Ang ano ko lang, pagkatapos nun, tayo ulit and try again."

EJ said he has yet to decide on his return for the next Olympics which will be held in Los Angeles four years from now. 

"I think it’s too early. I can’t give anything right now. I cannot promise something that I can’t commit to. I really need to process this a little bit more," EJ told the Philippine Olympic Committee media, including Soriano, shortly after the finals.

In a social media post, he also apologized for what happened.

"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!"

EJ may have fell short of a podium but the City of Manila said it will hand him a reward of P500,000 for representing the Philippines in the Summer Games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News