MANILA – Pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena came tantalizingly close to an Olympic medal early Tuesday (06 Aug 2024), finishing fourth after losing a countback for the bronze due to three failed attempts to clear 5.95 meters at Stade de France.

Eight hours later, Obiena took to Facebook, expressing his determination to bounce back despite the heartbreak. “The good get up, as they say. I have been knocked down. But I will get back up,” he wrote, acknowledging the pain of narrowly missing the podium. “Fourth place is painful to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be. I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love—the podium.”

Despite his marked improvement from 11th place in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the world No. 2 apologized for the 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!”

Obiena highlighted his pride in his achievements after overcoming numerous struggles, including battling physical problems since April. He thanked his supporters and promised to take things “one day at a time” as he plans his next steps. “Thank you again for your support and standing by me. I love you all, and we all share a common love and pride for the Philippines.”

He also congratulated double gold medalist Carlos Yulo for his remarkable performance at the Paris Games. “I salute him. I am sorry I didn’t join him on the podium,” Obiena said.

World No. 1 Mondo Duplantis of Sweden took the gold with a new world record of 6.25 meters, followed by Sam Kendricks of the United States with the silver, and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis with the bronze. The 24-year-old Duplantis broke his world record of 6.24 meters set in April, marking the ninth time the two-time world champion has reset the mark.

Upcoming events

John Cabang Tolentino will compete in the repechage of the 110-meter hurdles later Tuesday, while female boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio have secured at least a bronze each.

Upcoming events include weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando, and golfers Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanganan.

(ia/mnm)