By MARK REY MONTEJO
EJ Obiena is keeping his eyes on the big prize despite admittedly facing some ‘physical problems’ that has hampered his preparations so far for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Obiena through a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday, July 20, revealed that the past few months in the lead up to the Paris Games have been challenging although he vowed to continue pushing through it and ensure that he would be in his best possible shape come the competitions.
“If you had asked me a year ago how I would envision the “perfect” Olympic preparation, well it certainly wouldn’t be what has transpired! It has been what can only be termed a bumpy road [for] me this season,” wrote Obiena.
“Despite my best efforts at conditioning, fitness and discipline, I have been battling with various physical problems since April,” he added.
Obiena was obviously disappointed with the timing of the physical problems that he has to deal with now, especially after a splendid year for him before the Paris Games — managing to climb to the No.2 spot in the world rankings and even join the elite 6-meters club along the way.
“I know and fully understand this can happen to athletes training at such intensity and no complaints… But why now!?,” said Obiena, adding that he has been undergoing ‘a variety of medical procedures’ which, at times, stalling his training and preparations.
Obiena, however, remained optimistic with his chances and vowed to do his best to keep himself ready and locked in.
“Am I feeling confident with my preparation? Well, definitely not as much as I would like! Am I doing the best I can each day? Yes and most definitely yes! Not what I wanted but we’re still standing and I still have a few more days to prepare and sharpen,” Obiena said.
“I know these things happen. All athletes at an Olympic level deal with such adversities. I know not everything is in my control. I am an optimist by-nature. Can I perform at the highest level? Yes, I believe I can,” he continued.
“I am a proud Filipino and that means I am resilient and have weathered far worse situations. I promise you all I will give not 99% but all 100 [percent]. Thank you everyone for your support.”
