EJ OBIENA is left heartbroken at the 2024 Paris Olympics after he narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the men’s pole vault final.
Despite being ranked No. 2 in the world, Obiena fell short in his medal aspirations on Monday when he committed three fouls in his attempt at 5.95 meters.
In a Facebook post, Obiena apologized to the Filipino people for his failure to claim a medal.
READ Obiena places fourth in Paris Olympics pole vault final
“Fourth place is painful to say the least, and in sports, with three podium places, perhaps fourth is the harshest place to be,” Obiena wrote.
“I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love — the podium,” added Obiena.
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“I apologize 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,” said Obiena.
At the same time, Obiena is also looking at the silver lining, and promised to be back.
“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,” wrote Obiena.
“As anyone can imagine the reality is still sinking in and I am processing the outcome,” he added.
“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,” said Obiena.
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