How EJ Obiena’s Journey to the 2024 Olympics Redefines Success

As the excitement around the Olympics grows and Filipino athletes such as Carlos Yulo in gymnastics, along with Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio in boxing, continue to bring home medals, the spotlight on our nation’s sports heroes has never shone brighter. Amidst this celebration of national pride, another strong contender emerges: EJ Obiena.

In the world of sports, where victory and defeat are often measured in fractions of a second or mere centimeters, it's easy to focus solely on the end result. For many, the scoreboard tells the whole story. But for athletes like EJ Obiena, the true narrative lies in the journey, in the gradual progress that transforms challenges into triumphs, and setbacks into stepping stones. His journey from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024 is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of recognizing progress, even when it doesn't result in immediate victory.

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Tokyo 2020: A Starting Point

Obiena's Olympic journey began at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where he competed with the best pole vaulters in the world. The pressure was high, and though he gave it his all, Obiena was unable to clear the 5.80-meter mark, finishing 11th in the finals. For a country with limited representation in such technical sports, making it to the Olympics was already an achievement. Yet, for Obiena, it was not enough. He knew he could do better. This experience was not the end but a foundation, a stepping stone for the future and toward something greater.

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Paris 2024: Inches Closer to the Podium

Fast forward to the Paris 2024 Games, EJ Obiena returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed determination. This time, he soared higher, reaching for the 5.95-meter mark. The pressure was intense as he attempted the height three times, but it was just out of reach. Despite this, Obiena secured a 4th place finish, narrowly missing out on the podium but making a significant leap from his previous performance.

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The Bigger Picture: Progress and Redemption

To casual watchers, the difference between 11th and 4th might seem insignificant—both are short of a medal and it might seem like Obiena failed once again. It's easy to measure success in terms of medals, podium finishes and rankings, but for those who understand the grueling effort, dedication, and mental resilience required to compete at this level, Obiena’s leap from 11th to 4th is nothing short of remarkable and is more than just a change in numbers. Obiena didn't just improve his ranking; he inched closer to the top, proving that he belongs among the world's best. It represents growth, determination, and an unwavering belief in his potential. In Tokyo, he was a contender; in Paris, he became a formidable challenger to the podium. This transformation reflects a deeper truth: success isn't always about where you finish, but about how far you've come.

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The Paris 2024 Games were not a repeat of Tokyo's disappointment but a testament to Obiena’s resilience. It is not a story of repeated failure; it’s a story of continuous improvement, of learning from past experiences, and of relentless pursuit of excellence. He came back stronger, better, and more prepared. Each failure was a lesson, each setback an opportunity to refine his skills and strengthen his determination.

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Failure can feel heavy, but it's also a part of growth and learning. Obiena’s social media reflections after his Paris performance speak volumes: “The measure of a man or woman is not a singular event—like the Olympics—but a cumulative or collective measure over time.” He emphasized that finishing 4th in the Olympics will not define his life, as he is "measured by his career." This mindset—seeing beyond the immediate outcome and focusing on the broader journey—is what keeps Obiena moving forward. He assured everyone that this isn’t the end: "I commit to everyone now, I am back in training, I am back in the game, and I am going to attack the rest of the season and make you proud." (Yoniel Acebuche, 2024, EJ Obiena on 2024 Paris Olympics journey: 'I am measured by my career'.

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https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/438142-ej-obiena-reflects-on-his-journey-at-2024-paris-olympics&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1723626983357362&usg=AOvVaw07GFLzgQtPInTB4LsSly9s)

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As we reflect on Obiena’s journey, it's clear that his story is far from over. His path is upward, and his potential is limitless. The 4th place finish in Paris is not the end but a new beginning, a sign that he's getting closer to his ultimate goal. And as we look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, one thing is certain: EJ Obiena is a winner not just because of his final standings, but because of how far he's come and the unwavering mental resilience he’s shown along the way. For those who have followed his journey, there is every reason to believe that Obiena’s day on the podium will come.

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A Lesson for All of Us - The Bigger Picture: Success on Our Own Terms

EJ Obiena's journey offers a powerful lesson, not just for athletes but for everyone striving toward their goals. It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game, measuring our success against other people’s milestones. This unhealthy habit may do more harm than good for us both mentally and in the long run. At the end of the day, true progress is personal. It's about acknowledging the small victories, the inches gained, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether in sports or life, progress is often incremental, and every small victory is worth celebrating.

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In life, as in sports, progress isn't always linear, and success isn't always immediate. But with persistence, resilience, and a focus on personal growth, we can all move closer to our own podiums, one step at a time. Because in the end, it's not just about the finish line, but the distance we’ve traveled to get there.

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