UST TRACKSTER Ernest Obiena will not suit up in the UAAP Season 80 athletics tournament as he continues to rehabilitate his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
On his Facebook post Wednesday, the Philippines’ top pole vaulter said his doctor did not give him medical clearance to compete because of the recovery period needed for the injury.
“ACL recovery requires six to twelve months and as your level rises, the longer you need to recover. I have been doing rehab since September,” Obiena told the Varsitarian in an online interview.
Obiena, who holds the UAAP record in pole vault and 110-meter hurdles, said he was “upset not to be able to compete and contribute to the team.”
Obiena got injured last Aug. 18, prompting him to skip the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.
“Getting injured is already a big hit. Recovering and undergoing all the therapy, mental strength and [receiving] criticism is harder. What I can promise the following season is to do my best to recover and get back to where I was before or even better,” Obiena added.
Obiena set the Philippine pole vaulting record with a 5.61-meter jump in a competition in Germany last July.
Last June, his chances of competing in the SEA games were put in jeopardy after his poles were damaged during his flight to Italy.
UAAP athletics competitions will begin on Feb. 7, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
