MATINDI ang pagdaramdam ng world’s top 5 pole vaulter na si EJ Obiena dahil hindi siya makakapaglaro sa Serbia dahil walang endorsement ang Pilipinas para siya makalahok dito.
Narito ang buong post ng atleta:
“Today the Country I Love Loses”
“I love my country. I am proud of my country. I am driven to be a shining example of the excellence and world-class talent of the Philippine nation.
“Despite the adversities, and despite the attractive offers from other nations, I have refused to abandon my country. I believe in my country and I believe my fellow countrymen also love our country. And hence would put country first also. Ang bayan ko, Pilipinas!
“With my recent results I have qualified for the World Indoor Championships. I am currently ranked 5th and holding the 4th highest jump of the season. This competition is next week in Belgrade, Serbia.
“I am in prime physical and mental condition. I am ready to be the first Philippine HOME-GROWN athlete to compete in the Worlds, and I am ready to compete and bring home a medal. Now is my time; NO, now is our time!
“But sadly, we will never know.
“Country has not been put first by all. Country comes after personal considerations for some. This is more than unfortunate. The nation pays the price.
“I have not been endorsed for the Worlds. Registration is now closed. I won’t be attending. I am the only top-ranked vaulter not participating.
“If country was ever put first, I should be headed to Belgrade now. But I am not. I will watch it on TV like millions of others. I will see other nations take the medal that Philippines should be winning.
“I shed a tear now with a heavy heart, but not just for myself. I shed a tear for my country. We had a chance to show the world our greatness. And we lost it.”
#paraSANAsabayan🇵🇭
