August 29 ------ EJ Obiena has announced a 'premature close' to the remainder of his 2024 campaign, which would have included his participation in the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge that his camp will host on September 20 in Makati.
The Filipino pole vaulter bared the development in a social media post on Wednesday, sharing he was diagnosed with the injury during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League where he finished 5th. Obiena shared he was still supposed to see action in three more events in ISTAF Berlin, Zurich Diamond League, and Diamond League Final, but he decided to just forego those and focus on his recovery. "During the Silesia Diamond League this past weekend, the same back pain that has bothered me all season flared up. Due to the continual spasms, I couldn’t finish my last few attempts," Obiena said. "I immediately went to my doctor in Italy, and the MRI revealed what appeared to be a stress fracture in my spine. Unfortunately, a later CAT scan confirmed the diagnosis. I have a fractured L5 vertebra." he added.
Obiena said it will take at least four weeks of healing and vowed to come back in 2025, which would include the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. "Hopefully, now that I’ve identified the source of my back problems this year, with the required 4-weeks off to heal, I’m hoping to return pain-free and ready for the 2025 indoor season!"
To recall, the 28-year-old Obiena had the same back injury prior to his run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he fell short of a podium finish after winding up fourth. "The best thing to do right now, with ensuring my best future, is to rest and recuperate and come back even stronger," the world no. 3 said.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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