POLE vaulter Ernest John Obiena expressed his gratitude late Wednesday night to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and the Philippine Sports Commission for being reinstated in the national athletic team.
“I am very thankful to (the) Patafa leadership and (the) PSC for reinstating me back to the national team,” Obiena posted in his official Facebook page.
“Whilst I shall properly leave the past in the past, I believe the facts have spoken. The Commission on Audit has spoken. And my team and I have proven our dedication with our performances on the world stage and a first-ever World championships medal,” he athlete.
Obiena set a new Asian and national record with a jump of 5.94 meters in bagging a bronze medal — a first for a Filipino athlete — in the world meet last July 25 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
“This (reinstatement) was a long awaited and just decision; and one in the best interests of Philippine sport,” he said. “It is also a decision that is congruent with the values and principles of the Olympic spirit.
