EJ Obiena calls off rest of 2024 season due to spine injury

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena abruptly drew the curtains on his 2024 campaign to avoid aggravating the spine injury that has pestered him for the past months.

Obiena on Wednesday, August 28, announced that he will miss the ISTAF Berlin in Germany, Weltklasse Zurich in Switzerland, and the Diamond League Final in Belgium in September after being diagnosed with a fractured L5 vertebra.

“I am sorry to announce that I must call a premature close to my 2024 season,” Obiena wrote on his social media accounts.

Back issues have bothered Obiena in recent months as he struggled to gear up for the Paris Olympics, where he fell short of a medal after he placed fourth.

The 28-year-old bounced back by landing at joint third in the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland, but he said his back pain “flared up” during the Silesia Diamond League in Poland, resulting in a fifth-place finish.

After MRI and CT scans, it was revealed Obiena sustained a fractured spine.

Obiena will also sit out the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge set to be staged at the Ayala Triangle Garden on September 20. Although it is uncertain whether the meet will push through, the two-time Olympian noted that he’ll post “more information” soon.

“Hopefully, now that I’ve identified the source of my back problems this year, with the required four weeks off to heal, I’m hoping to return pain-free and ready for the 2025 indoor season!” said Obiena.

Obiena said he has to prioritize his health after accomplishing his goal of competing in the Olympics and qualifying for the Diamond League Final despite the physical constraints.

But in usual Obiena fashion, the world No. 3 vowed a spirited return.

“[N]ow I need to make decisions with my head, not my emotions. The best thing to do right now, with ensuring my best future, is to rest and recuperate and come back even stronger,” said Obiena.

“I am going to honor my promise: ‘You’ll see more of me and the Philippine flag will be raised on a global scale.’ It will simply have to wait a bit longer!”

“Thank you for your support. I love you all and promise, I’ll be back!” – Rappler.com