Olympian pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena is optimistic of a strong return next year after revealing that he will not be finishing his 2024 campaign due to a season-ending back injury.

“Ill be BACK,” said EJ in a lengthy Instagram post, which bared that he was diagnosed with a fractured L5 vertebra that has prompted him to “call a premature close to my 2024 season.”

RECOVERY AND COMEBACK
The 28-year-old pole vaulter shared that he was supposed to compete in three more international tournaments (ISTAF Berlin, Zurich Diamond League, and Diamond League Final) before concluding this year’s campaign.

As a consequence, Obiena intends to take a full four-week rest in order for his back to heal, which means he also won’t be seeing action at the Philippine Pole Vault Competition slated to happen on September 20.

The 2024 Olympics 4th placer explained that the same back spasms that had plagued him all year long “flared up” during his most recent tourney in Poland, where he placed fifth after not being able to complete his attempts.

Obiena, however, is extremely hopeful about a strong comeback.

“Now that I have identified the source of my back problems this year… I am hoping to return pain-free and ready for the 2025 indoor season!” he wrote.

He also revealed that the spinal fracture has always been there even prior to his Paris Games stint, but it appears that the bemedalled athlete has chosen not to take the risk this time. 

“Competing in the Olympics with a spinal fracture was a risk I am willing to take, and as it ends I did take, but now I need top make decisions with my head, not my emotions,” he noted.

EJ will now be patiently playing the waiting game as he recuperates from the injury, but made the pledge that he will back sooner than later. “You’ll see more of me, and the Philippine flag will be raised on a global scale.”

“I love you all and promise, I’ll be back! #comeback,” the two-time World Championships medalist couldn’t have had a sweeter and stronger conclusion to his Instagram message.