We love supportive relationships. We love seeing couples have each other's backs—including and especially athletes' S.O.'s. Witnessing their love and support during successful matches is something we've always adored—but even more so when they stick through the most painful moments of their partner's athletic career. Case in point: EJ Obiena and Caroline Joyeux.
ICYMI, EJ fell short of bagging an Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 competition. The 28-year-old pole vaulter placed fourth in the men's pole vault finals on August 6, 2024. EJ, who had put his 200% into the competition, bringing his glory as the world's no. 2 pole vaulter, was understandably devastated about his loss.
His German partner, Caroline was also in Paris, France to express her all-out support for EJ. In a series of Instagram stories, Caroline posted moments showing EJ's exposure during the tournament. Caroline was in the stands, screaming and waving the Philippine flag all for her boyfriend of almost four years.
Despite the competition's outcome, EJ remains a fighter. He wrote a heartfelt and inspiring post to everyone who has believed in him in his journey as an athlete.
His message read, "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. 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."
Caroline shared EJ's message on her personal IG account with the healing heart emoji.
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EJ Obiena and Caroline Joyeux's relationship
EJ and Caroline have been quite low-key about their relationship, yet they manage to maintain a healthy and steady connection, especially when they are both athletes. Caroline is a German triple jump athlete.
The two met in 2020 through their common interest: sports. Caroline and EJ met in Fornia, Italy at a training camp. "I had a training camp with my club. We just met in Fornia," Caroline disclosed.
In September 2022, Caroline actually came to the Philippines together with EJ. It was EJ's break from rigorous training abroad. At the time, the two were going through their offseason making it one of the rare times that Caroline and EJ were spotted together in public.
"This is my first time in Asia. Before, I was only in Europe, not really outside to see the world. It's really nice. I really want to enjoy it here. Looking forward to the next days," Caroline told the press via Spin.ph.
Caroline is based in Berlin, while EJ was mostly in Italy for training. So coming to the Philippines in 2022 was something really new for the couple. Besides, it was a time for them to connect more since they have always endured a long-distance relationship because of their respective professions.
Amid their flourishing careers, the athlete couple have found their balance in navigating through their hectic schedules. "It's really good to balance. We understand each other. We have the same schedule sometimes. We sacrifice the same thing for our career for being an athlete. It’s good," the triple-jumper declared.
And for Caroline, EJ being the best boyfriend contributes a lot to their strong and steady relationship through the years. "He is very good as a boyfriend. He is like a brother, friend, and boyfriend together. He is all together. He is perfect."
