Published by: Aliyah Margareth Imbat
Date Published: February 14, 2023
Time Published: 7:57 AM
MANILA, Philippines— EJ Obiena, the world's No. 3 pole vaulter, meant to compete in the Asian Indoor Championships this February 10-23 in Kazakhstan but was forced to miss out the said tournament due to pole transportation and financial troubles.
On an update on his various social media accounts, Obiena wrote on Wednesday, "I am truly heartbroken to share this news. I shall be unable to participate in the upcoming Asian Indoor Championships next week in Kazakhstan. I won’t be able to bring glory to my country."
EJ then tackled how his poles are unable to get transported to Astana, Kazakhstan, quoting: "First, a pole vaulter without his poles is an ineffective pole vaulter," as the airlines destined to Astana would simply not bring the poles; while also despite having a contact with Pepsi Kazakhstan, Obiena deemed the transportation impossible as it was a 17-hour long ride.
Describing it as being "caught in red tape," Obiena also revealed that he and his team had been left unpaid for over a year now, causing some of his team members to hint at leaving Team Obiena.
"Who could work free for over a year? They have families to support and bills to pay. They can’t keep working for free. I can only hope this resolves soon. I am losing a team I desperately need. Nobody wins alone. It’s always have been a team effort." Obiena added.
In light of situation, EJ mentioned that he will look forward to more competitions to join while doing his best for his country— Philippines, and thanked his fans for their support and understanding.
SOURCES:
https://sports.inquirer.net/.../ej-obiena-says.../amp
https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../ej-obiena-to.../story/...
PHOTO SOURCE:
https://www.facebook.com/copernicuscup?mibextid=ZbWKwL
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