EJ Obiena cleared to return, 'fully recovered' from back injury

EJ Obiena has recovered from a back injury that cut short his 2024 campaign as he now sets his sight on a fresh run come next year.

The Filipino pole vault star shared the development on Tuesday night, saying he has fully healed from the lower back injury he sustained during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League where he finished 5th last August.

Obiena also said he's received clearance from his doctor to return to action.

"I’m officially cleared... and have fully recovered from my lower back injury. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey," Obiena said in an Instagram post.

"I have been MIA here because I have been focusing myself on getting back into shape and be ready by January! Here’s to the start of 2025 season!!!"

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ernest Obiena (@ernestobienapv)

The development came just in time for a busy 2025 for the pole vault ace. In 2025, Obiena is expected to see action in a number of international tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games where he is the reigning three-time champion.

The 28-year-old is also tipped to hold the Manila meet next year which was supposed to be staged last September 20 but was postponed due to 'unexpected hurdles', including his injury.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News