ERNEST John Obiena, one of the world top pole vaulters, remains a friend and staunch supporter of Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo.
The 28-year-old Obiena cleared the air following misleading stories about him and Yulo, his fellow Tokyo and Paris Olympian.
“I am friends with Caloy and have been for many years. And for decades to come. I don’t compete with my friend Caloy and I deeply respect him. He is a great champion for our country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country,” said Obiena in a statement on social media.
Obiena saw action in the Paris games and landed in fourth place, an improvement from his 11th ranking in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Yulo made history by winning two gold medals, when he topped both the floor exercise and vault in men’s gymnastics of the Paris games.
Hurtful comments and messages by fans have been posted about Obiena and Yulo, comparing their family lives and accomplishments.
Netizens on social media have been digging into Yulo’s estranged relationship with his family, particularly his mother Angelica, and the supportive family dynamics surrounding Obiena.
“Because I embrace these values, I never comment on someone else’s personal life. I have never made a single comment regarding Caloy’s private life and I never shall. Any assertion otherwise is outright libel. I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life, this is one of those times,” added Obiena.
Obiena added: “I don’t comment on my private life and I certainly don’t want outsiders commenting on it. That’s why it’s called ‘private life’. It’s personal. It’s nobody else’s business.”
Asia’s top pole vaulter, who is taking a break from training to rest from a back injury, is now in Formia, Italy. He will resume preparing for international meets by November, if all goes well.
