Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial empathized with fellow Filipino athlete EJ Obiena, as the latter expressed dismay after missing a podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Stade de France.

On his official Facebook page, Eumir wrote a message for the Filipino pole vault star who placed fourth in his final stage.

“Nararamdaman kita bro! may mga bagay talaga dito sa mundo na hindi natin kontrolado. Dalawang linggo bago Olympics parehas nagka injury tayo dahilan para hindi tayo makaensayo ng maayos. Pero hindi yun naging hadlang para lumaban tayo dito sa Olympic,” Eumir recalled.

He also expressed that they might both shed tears of regret about this year’s international sports competition, but they will surely get back on their feet to proudly represent the Philippines once again.

“Ngayon umiiyak tayo dahil hindi natin naiuwi ang tagumpay na gusto natin pagbalik ng Pilipinas. Masakit dahil mahal natin yung ginagawa natin at importante ito para sa atin,” he added.

He ended his message saying, “Malungkot tayo ngayon pero darating ang panahon sa atin naman ang tagumpay. (Philippine flag emoji).”

Fans were quick to react to Eumir's message to EJ.

“We're still very proud of your achievements! Standing for our country is a great honor and pride to all of us Filipinos. May God bless you both more on the 2028 LA Olympics,” a netizen commented.

Another fan expressed, “Proud pa rin kame sa inyo Sir Eumir Marcial and EJ Obiena - Ernest Obiena and to all the athletes na nagsumikap and patuloy na magsisikap para sa karangalan ng bansa. 💪🇵🇭.”

READ: PH boxer Eumir Marcial ends Paris Olympics run, reveals previous injury

EJ successfully cleared 5.90 meters in the competition. However, he fell short in three attempts at 5.95 meters, where he placed fourth in the finals.

In an interview, the pole vaulter turned emotional after seeing the result.

"It's not something I expected. It was not something I was aiming for. I'm happy for everybody who got the medal, they deserve it. I'm happy for my friends but it doesn't give me a little bit of shade of less pain," he said.

He added, "I apologize. I promised that I was going to go back after Tokyo and do better. I did but it wasn't really, I would say it didn't change in my book. I came up short, so I am really sorry. I apologize for it. We'll see how it goes."

EJ also posted his letter to all the fans and Filipinos who supported him on his Facebook page.

“I first want to say thank you to everyone who has followed, supported, and believed in me. 4th place is painful to say the least; and in sports with three podium places, perhaps 4th is the harshest place to be. I am heartbroken that a single failure cost me and cost a nation I so deeply love—the podium,” he expressed.

READ: 'It's painful': EJ Obiena heartbroken over men's pole vault finals results

Despite being heartbroken, EJ still acknowledged what he had learned and still accomplished amidst all the challenges he had been through.

“On a positive note, I am proud of what I was actually able to stitch together for this Olympics, with all the struggles that came with this year; but still it hurts to be this close to an Olympic Medal,” he added.

“I learned a long time ago to take one day at a time, and that’s exactly what I am going to do.  Thank you again for your support and standing by me.  I love you all, and we all share a common love and pride for the Philippines,” he continued.

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A post shared by Ernest Obiena (@ernestobienapv)

EJ then ended his message celebrating Carlos Yulo’s two gold win in the Gymnastics category and looking forward to his future representing the country.

“Carlos Yulo has already made this an Olympics to remember and I salute him.  I am sorry I didn’t join him on the podium but I will be back. 'The good get up' as they say.  I have been knocked down. But I will get back up,” he remarked.