EJ OBIENA has ended his 2024 season due to a stress fracture in his spine, he revealed on his social media account on Wednesday.
Obiena said he suffered back pain again in his recent competition in the Wanda Diamond League Silesia where he placed fifth. A CAT scan in Italy later confirmed the extent of the injury that prompted him to sit out the rest of the season.
Obiena said he will pull out of the next four meets he was entered including the pole vault competition in the Philippines on September 20 to heal up for next season.
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Obiena is optimistic of regaining his full strength next year, even beginning his Facebook post with the words “I’ll be back.”
"I immediately went to my doctor in Italy, and the MRI revealed what appeared to be a stress fracture in my spine. Unfortunately, a later CAT scan confirmed the diagnosis. I have a fractured L5 vertebra," he said.
“To avoid worsening the fracture, I shall prudently cancel my season, including the Philippines Pole Vault competition scheduled for September 20,” Obiena wrote on his Facebook page.
“Hopefully, now that I’ve identified the source of my back problems this year, with the required four weeks off to heal, I’m hoping to return pain-free and ready for the 2025 indoor season.”
Obiena has been hounded with back problems during the 2024 season, an injury that was revealed prior to the Olympics.
Despite his health situation, Obiena finished fourth in the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on the bronze taken by Emmanouil Karalis of Greece.
“Competing in Olympics with a spinal fracture was a risk I am willing to take, but now I need to make decisions with my head, not my emotions. The best thing to do right now, with ensuring my best future, is to rest and recuperate and come back even stronger,” said Obiena.
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