EJ Obiena reveals spinal issues affected Paris Olympics performance

EJ Obiena, Philippines' pole vaulter in the Paris Olympics 2024, revealed on Wednesday that he had been dealing with spinal issues leading up to the competition and is now focusing on his health moving forward.

Obiena's adviser, James Michael Lafferty, disclosed that Obiena faced a recurring issue in his lumbar spine, which affected his ability to vault just days before the Games, and explained during an online press conference that Obiena had undergone emergency procedures in Italy prior to the Olympics.

Despite these health challenges, Obiena placed fourth in Paris but narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing just one spot short of the bronze, and expressed disappointment at missing the podium but maintained confidence in his ability to achieve success in future events.

Obiena emphasized that while his spinal issues were tough, they did not hinder his performance on the day of competition, demonstrating resilience and determination, and said he aims to defend some of his points and stay within the world number two ranking before the end of the year.

Reflecting on his experience, Obiena acknowledged the need for full-time dedication and commitment to maintain his position in pole vaulting and reiterated that life can be 'beautiful but brutal', with nothing guaranteed.