EJ Obiena of the Philippines reacts after lacking an try through the males’s pole vault ultimate on the Paris Olympics 2024, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Picture/David Goldman)
MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena turned emotional and was apologetic after developing empty-handed within the males’s pole vault ultimate on the Paris Olympics 2024 early Tuesday (Manila time) at State de France.
Obiena fell simply an try wanting bagging the bronze that might have ended the Philippines’ 88-year medal drought within the Olympics in athletics.
After clearing 5.90m, Obiena missed all his three tries at 5.95m to wind up in fourth place.
READ: EJ Obiena narrowly misses pole vault medal in Paris Olympics
“It’s painful. I missed a medal by one bounce and it wasn’t far on all my makes an attempt at [5.95m],” Obiena stated in an interview with ONE Sports activities PH.
“I apologize. I promised I’m gonna return after Tokyo and do higher. I did, nevertheless it didn’t change in my e-book. I nonetheless got here up quick. I’m actually sorry. I apologize for it,” added the world No. 2 pole vaulter, who positioned eleventh within the Tokyo Video games.
EJ Obiena of the Philippines reacts through the males’s pole vault ultimate on the Paris Olympics 2024, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Picture/Bernat Armangue)
Like Obiena, Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, ranked eighth within the sport, additionally cleared 5.90m however nipped the Filipino for the final podium spot as a consequence of fewer makes an attempt.
Simply days earlier than the Olympics, Obiena stated he has been battling with “varied bodily issues” however the 28-year-old felt it was his lack of consistency that spelled the distinction.
READ: The distinction between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis
“There’s loads of issues that occurred this yr. I’m grateful I bought to the ultimate, positively. However on the identical time, I’m disenchanted as a result of it wasn’t far. It’s like actually the identical top and I missed it by one try. One try and an Olympic medal,” Obiena stated.
“I believe simply consistency total. I missed one try. Sports activities is gorgeous but additionally brutal. I perceive that. [It’s the] consistency I’m missing. I felt like I wanted slightly bit extra time, nevertheless it’s the Olympics, it’s not going to attend for anyone. I’m simply right here doing every part that I can,” he stated.
As anticipated, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis soared to assert the gold after shattering his personal world report with a 6.25m clearance. It was the ninth time that the 24-year-old Duplantis had damaged the mark.
READ: Duplantis breaks pole vault report in gold medal end at Olympics
The US’ Sam Kendricks gained the silver at 5.95m.
“Even with the fourth place, I’d say I’ve accomplished every part I can to be the place I’m at and I’m happy with the trouble of my staff, myself, and everyone who made this attainable. But it surely doesn’t make it much less painful,” stated Obiena, who holds the Asian report at 6.00m.
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“I’m pleased for everyone who bought the medal, they deserve it. I’m pleased for my associates. But it surely doesn’t give me slightly little bit of shade of much less ache.”
Observe Inquirer Sports activities’ particular protection of the Paris Olympics 2024.