MANILA, Philippines — Minsan lang mainis si Tokyo Olympics-bound Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena.
At ipinakita niya ito dahil sa isang artikulong inilabas ng Olympic Channel tungkol sa kanya kahit wala siyang nakakausap.
“I just read something today and I was quote in the article with some provocative statements,” protesta ni Obie-na sa kanyang post sa mga social media kahapon kalakip ang lumabas na artikulo. “To be clear: I have never spoke with the olympic channel nor did I ever make such statements.”
Sa naturang artikulo ng Olympic Channel na inilabas noong Set-yembre 11 ay may quote ang 6-foot-2 Pinoy pole vaulter na kaya niyang sapawan si Armand Duplantis ng Sweden.
“To the people who know me, they know through personal expe-rience that I would never say such a statement. Whilst I am of course confident in my own capabilities and potential, I respect all of my competitors and most of them are my friends. I would never say anything to disparage my competition,” sabi ng 24-anyos na si Obiena.
Ang 20-anyos na si Duplantis ay ang kasalukuyang world record holder sa bitbit na 6.18 metro.
“I definitely did not make this statement, even privately. I believe it is irresponsible journalism to quote someone who has never even been asked for comments! As I am writing this post I have sent in parallel request to Olympic Channel to remove the quote and correct the article,” sabi pa ni Obiena.
May limang podium finishes si Obiena sa kanyang paghahanda para sa 2021 Olympic Games na gagawin sa Tokyo, Japan.