Obiena may bagong event

MANILA, Philippines — Hindi na matutuloy ang World Athletics-sanctioned international pole vault event na itataguyod sana ni two-time Olympian Ernest John Obiena.

Nakatakda sana ito sa Setyembre 20 sa Ayala Triangle sa Makati City.

Sa halip, nais ni Obiena na gagapin na lamang ito sa susunod na taon.

"I am truly sorry for this. I and the organizing team worked tirelessly to make this happen; unfortunately, we encountered a few unexpected hurdles, including my fractured vertebrae," ani Obiena.

Isa sa pangunahing dahilan nito ang pagtatamo ni Obiena ng back injury.

Kaya naman minabuti nitong magpahinga na lamang muna sa anumang uri ng kumpetisyon.

"The organizing team believes that we won’t be able to adequately deliver the competition to its full potential. I respect their view and expertise as we all want a world class event; thus, we are forced to postpone and plan again,” dagdag ni Obiena.

Lalahok sana sa naturang event sina world champion, Olympic champion at world record holder Armand Duplantis ng Sweden gayundin si Paris Olympics silver medalist Sam Kendricks.

Bilang kapalit, magkakaroon na lamang si Obiena ng meet and greet sa Setyembre 15 sa Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center.

“See you all on the 15th of September at 10am in the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center,” dagdag ni Obiena.

Nagtapos lamang sa ika-apat na puwesto si Obiena sa Paris Olympic matapos magkasya sa 5.92 metro.