In the course of his athletic career, EJ Obiena had hoped to make himself known by being the first Filipino to have medals in both the World Athletics indoor and outdoor competitions.
However, the dream was taken away as the Filipino athlete barely cleared 5.65 meters to finish in ninth place at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
Aware that what happened did not go according to what he initially planned, Obiena declared in an online news conference that he would take full responsibility for his performance and that there are no excuses for it.
Obiena and the setback
He clarified that aside from hoping to win a medal in the Glasgow match, he was confident to be able to perform in his best self due to his consistency in training. However, his experience with the World Indoors became a setback for him instead.
“I’ve been pretty consistent with 5.80m, that’s why I took the risk when it comes to World Indoors. It just didn’t pan out. The marks that I was hitting, I’m hitting it pretty consistently and with excellence, but it is a setback, this World Indoors,” EJ admitted.
Admitting that the competition results affected his mental health, Obiena remained resilient and optimistic. Despite this experience, EJ revealed that he is moving on and is concentrating to be ready for the bigger picture– the Olympic Games in Paris this 2024.
“That was not the goal this year, the goal is Paris 2024,” said Obiena, who is now a qualifier in the Summer Games.
“I’m moving on, and I’ll look forward to the outdoor season. I will prepare and focus on the main goal,” Ej said.
Cover Photo: Facebook
Link: ABSCBN