EJ unbroken after podium miss, vows to fly PH flag higher

Heartbroken over missing the podium by a single vault at the Paris Olympics, Obiena vowed to come back stronger, refusing to let a medal-less stint in the French capital define his career.

“The measure of a man or woman is not a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time,’’ Obiena posted on social media upon his return to Manila on Tuesday.

Placing fourth in men’s pole vault, the world No. 2 told supporters he was “committed” to bouncing back. “I am back in training. I am back in the game, and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud,’’ said the Asian record holder of six meters.

The 28-year-old Obiena missed out on an Olympic bronze after he and Greek standout Emmanouil Karalis got stuck at 5.90, with the Filipino needing more attempts to get there.

Karalis joined record-gobbling start and gold winner Armand Duplantis of Sweden and silver performer Sam Kendricks of the United States at the awarding ceremony.

“I finished fourth in Paris. Close but not good enough. I am not measured by this. I am measured by my career,’’ said Obiena.

Based in Formia, Italy, for quite some time, the once scrawny kid from Tondo, Manila, rose to become a global figure in the sport, reaching the podium in the world championships twice—a bronze medal in 2022 in Oregon, and silver in 2023 in Budapest.

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Obiena also remains unbeatable in Asia, winning the Asian championships twice and 2023 Asian Games apart from being dominant in the Southeast Asian Games.

While these tournaments have become a usual hunting ground for Obiena, standing on the medal stage of the crown jewel—the Olympics—has eluded him.

Obiena placed 11th in his first trip to the Games in Tokyo 2021 and got himself into the conversation for a medal in Paris prior to finishing fourth.

“You are going to see more from me, and see the Philippine flag raised and raised on a global stage. Let’s go on with it,’’ said Obiena.