Filipino pole vault star Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena announced on August 28 that he is ending his 2024 outdoor season early due to a fractured L5 vertebra in his lower spine.
Obiena, who had planned to compete in major events like ISTAF Berlin and the Zurich Diamond League, revealed that his persistent back pain worsened during the Silesia Diamond League, where he finished fifth.
Despite initially trying to continue, Obiena’s condition was confirmed as a stress fracture following an MRI and CAT scan in Italy.
He will take at least four weeks to recover and aims to return pain-free for the 2025 indoor season.
Ending his season early, Obiena expressed his commitment to healing and returning stronger, thanking his supporters and vowing to represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 29, 2024
