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EJ Obiena fully recovered from back injury, eyes competition return in January

Sports

EJ Obiena fully recovered from back injury, eyes competition return in January

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

At A Glance

EJ Obiena is expected to return to competition soon after being cleared by his doctor, the two-time Olympian announced Tuesday night, Oct. 29.

EJ Obiena is expected to return to competition soon after being cleared by his doctor, the two-time Olympian announced Tuesday night, Oct. 29.

The world No. 4 pole vaulter said he has fully recovered from a lower back injury he sustained in the middle of the year following a consultation with Dr. Alessandro Napoli.

EJ Obiena with Dr. Alessandro Napoli. (EJ Obiena Facebook)

He targets to join the indoor season in January.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey,” Obiena wrote on social media.

“I have been MIA here because I have been focusing myself on getting back into shape and be ready by January! Here’s to the start of the 2025 season!” he added.

Obiena cut his 2024 season short in August after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his spine during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League where he finished fifth.

He also admitted he has had a recurring back injury during his stint at the 2024 Paris Olympics where he finished fourth.

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