FILIPINO pole vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena announced on Wednesday, August 28, via Instagram that he is ending his 2024 outdoor season early due to a fractured L5 vertebra, a condition affecting the lower spine.

Obiena was set to compete in several high-profile events, including ISTAF Berlin, the Zurich Diamond League, and the Diamond League final. He also planned to participate in an international pole vault competition in Manila on September 20. However, persistent back pain has worsened, forcing him to withdraw.

The 28-year-old athlete shared that his back injury flared up during the Silesia Diamond League, where he finished fifth with a 5.82m clearance on August 26. This flare-up prevented him from completing his final attempts at the event.

After consulting with his doctor in Italy, Obiena underwent an MRI and CAT scan, which revealed a stress fracture in his spine. He has been advised to take at least four weeks off to recover.

Obiena, currently ranked third in the world, expressed hope to return for the 2025 indoor season, aiming to compete without pain.