EJ Obiena's back injury affects Paris Olympics performance

Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena revealed that a recurring back injury hampered his preparations and consistency, ultimately costing him a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 28-year-old athlete settled for a fourth-place finish after failing to clear the 5.95-meter mark, with his best jump being 5.90 meters.

Obiena's advisor, Jim Lafferty, stated that the injury involves the lumbar part of his spine, causing pain and muscle spasms that prevent him from vaulting.

The injury, which first appeared two years ago, led Obiena to undergo a denervation procedure in 2022, but the nerve has since grown back.

He had to halt training 10 days before the Paris Olympics due to the resurfacing pain and has been competing with the nagging injury since April.

Obiena expressed the need to address his back injury for the long-term approach to his career and will prioritize his health moving forward.

He aims to defend some of his points and maintain his world number two ranking before the end of the year.