EJ Obiena ready to return after successful left knee surgery

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena is now all set for his 2022 campaign after a successful surgery on his left knee.

Obiena has been facing discomfort on his left knee which turned out to be a minor meniscus issue which the doctors fixed by cleaning it.

Aside from his meniscus, the doctors also decided to remove the screw that was inserted last 2017 when he suffered an ACL injury.

“Surgery was successful. They have cleaned the meniscus and have removed the screw on my knee from the ACL reconstruction back in 2017 as the bone graft has fully solidified. It shouldn’t affect my recovery and we’re still on and aiming for 28th of January competition,” posted Obiena on his social media account.

Businessman and sports patron Jim Lafferty, one of Obiena’s main backers, first announced the news regarding his operation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through chairman William Ramirez confirmed that they will be providing financial assistance for his surgery.

In response, Obiena stated that the money from the PSC will be used to repay his private backers that shouldered the cost of his operation.

“Thank you very much for everyone who helped and supported me to make this surgery possible as early as yesterday. I am also thankful for Chairman Butch Ramirez announcing yesterday that funds for my surgery is available. I may be able to use this money once available to me to reimburse the advances of good samaritans,” shared Obiena.