Obiena explains apology

EJ Obiena has dropped from No. 5 to No. 6 in the world pole vault rankings due to his inability to participate at the recent World Indoor Athletics Championships in Belgrade but it’s not a big deal for him. The important thing for Obiena is the rift with PATAFA is now settled with the mediation successfully facilitated by PSC chairman Butch Ramirez.

While there’s a gag order prohibiting participants in the mediation process to reveal what happened, Obiena said it’s not against the rule to explain why he apologized in a public statement issued by PSC. He said it’s not detailing what transpired in the mediation. “It was a conflict situation, like a war and it involved a relationship issue,” he said. “I’m truly sorry about it. I apologize for this to happen, my tunnel vision. I didn’t realize what I caused, what I did. I played a role in this conflict and there were hurt feelings that I’m sorry for having caused. This is life and I try to look at the bigger picture. It’s about being humble and moving forward. Life isn’t a linear path, it’s diverse. We’re only human and it’s right to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.”

During the mediation process, Obiena admitted enduring sleepless nights. “My escape was three hours of training although I wasn’t at my best,” he said. “I went to the track and tried not to be distracted but it was difficult. I had to talk to lawyers and accountants so I couldn’t wait to get to the track every day to train. When it was finally over, I ran out of my apartment in Formia to tell my coach (Vitaliy Petrov) who was on the training track waiting for me.”

Obiena said he plans to join at least two competitions to get ready for the SEA Games in Hanoi. He said he’s not promising anything but the goal is to clear six meters. “I know I can do it,” he said. “Assuming good weather, no COVID issues and I’m back in condition, I’ll do my best.” Obiena said he plans to bring five or six poles to Hanoi, the “big” kind that Petrov specified to use for jumping over six meters. It was world record holder Mondo Duplantis’ mother who brought his new poles from the US to Belgrade, expecting Obiena would compete. “We’re like a family in pole vault, helping each other out,” he said. “When Mondo found out that I had new poles to be shipped, his mother offered to bring them over to Europe. The poles are stiffer, bigger.”

Obiena said he hasn’t been home since the 2019 SEA Games and is looking forward to being with family. “If I’m endorsed for the Asian Games, I hope to visit home after Hangzhou and hang out with family and friends whom I miss,” he said.