Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena expressed his appreciation for his brief but memorable homecoming in the Philippines following his participation at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"It has been said, 'You never recognise the greatest moments in life, until they in your rear view mirror.' And it's true. As I am enroute back to Italy and training, I have come to realize just now how special the last 24 hours, being at home in the Philippines, has been," Obiena said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
The Filipino Olympians returned to the Philippines on August 13, where they were warmly welcomed at Villamor Air Base before being received by the President and the First Family at Malacañang Palace later that same day.
Obiena noted that the warm reception at Malacañang, his engaging conversations with fellow athletes during the flight and bus rides, his brief visit to his alma mater, and his meetings with fellow countrymen will forever be 'etched' in his memory.
He then apologized for not being able to attend the heroes' homecoming parade organized for all Filipino athletes who represented the country in the recently concluded Olympics.
"I am sorry I wasn’t in the parade; but as you know my season’s not over and there are upcoming competitions that I will compete in, starting in 6 days!" Obiena stated.
The current World No. 3 pole vaulter recognizes the 'golden era' of Philippine sports, noting that it took 97 years before Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first gold medal. Three years later, gymnast Carlos "Caloy" Yulo secured two Olympic gold medals.
"What a great time for our nation’s sports! Let’s all take a moment to take this all in, and enjoy!" said Obiena.
Obiena finished 4th in this year’s summer Olympics where he obtained an improved record of 5.90m clearance from an 11th place finish with a 5.70m in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Obiena is already back in training and is set to compete at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland next week.
