Nilinaw ng pole vaulter olympian na si EJ Obiena na wala siyang balak na maglaro sa ilalim ng bandila ng ibang bansa liban lamang sa Pilipinas.
Ginawa ni Obiena ang paglilinaw sa kanyang FB post sa gitna na rin ng iringan nila ng Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa).
Kinumpirma rin naman ni Obiena ang naunang statement ng kanyang mentor na si James Lafferty na ilang taon na ang nakakalipas ay ilang mga bansa ang nag-aalok na doon na lamang siyang maglaro sa ilalim ng kanilang bandila.
Pero binigyan diin ni Obiena kailanman ay hindi niya ipagpapalit ang “loyalty” sa Pilipinas sa pera at lumipat sa ibang bandila na kakatawanin sa international competitions.
“Even now, in this current crisis, I have no desire to change nations. I see these statements on social media and active encouragement to switch allegiances. But this is not who I am and why I do this. I want to win for Philippines and show the world what we can do. I want to win for us,” bahagi pa ng FB post ni Obiena. “I have realized I may at some point have no option. I cannot accept to be accused of false allegations and have my reputation smeared. I know I may at some point be forced into choices I don’t want to make. It seems to be happening a lot lately like defending myself in a rushed presscon. But my goal is focused on winning gold medals for my nation, my country, my flag—The Philippines.”
