EJ Obiena capped a challenging season with his fourth consecutive Southeast Asian Games gold, dominating the men’s pole vault at the 33rd edition of the biennial meet on Tuesday at Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 30-year-old star claimed victory in thrilling fashion, setting a new Games record of 5.70 meters on his first attempt, despite a fierce challenge from hometown favorite Patasapong Amsam-ang.
Ansam-ang matched Obiena’s clearance of 5.70 meters on his third attempt but, like Obiena, fell short at 5.75 meters. The 28-year-old shared the new Games record, achieving a personal best and national record.
After taking silver in the 2015 Singapore edition, the University of Santo Tomas product has steadily risen, reaching No. 2 in the world in 2023, just behind the unstoppable Mondo Duplantis.
Fil-Am Elijah Cole rounded out the podium with a best jump of 5.20 meters, giving the Philippines a double podium finish in the event.
