Filipino pole vaulting sensation EJ Obiena reaffirmed his dominance in the region, clinching his fourth consecutive gold medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. In a high-stakes battle that pushed the boundaries of the sport, the World No. 11 athlete showcased his veteran composure to overcome a spirited challenge from hometown hero Patsapong Amsam-ang.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The competition was not just a quest for gold but a race against history. Both Obiena and Amsam-ang delivered masterclass performances, ultimately clearing 5.70 meters. This feat shattered the previous SEA Games record of 5.60 meters, which Obiena himself had set.
While the two athletes finished with the same height after failing to clear the 5.75-meter mark, Obiena secured the top spot via countback. The 30-year-old Filipino cleared 5.70 meters on his very first attempt, whereas the Thai challenger required three tries to match the height.
The Path to Gold
The road to the podium wasn’t without its hurdles. Obiena opened his campaign at 5.35 meters, at which point the field had already narrowed down to just three contenders: Obiena, Amsam-ang, and fellow Filipino Elijah Cole.
A moment of tension arose when the “Pride of Tondo” failed his initial attempt at 5.45 meters. Meanwhile, Amsam-ang seemed to be in peak form, clearing heights with ease and electrifying the local crowd. However, Obiena’s experience shone through as he recalibrated, successfully navigating 5.40m, 5.55m, and 5.65m before delivering the decisive 5.70m vault.
The Final Standings
The Philippines enjoyed a double-podium finish as Elijah Cole secured the bronze medal. Cole cleared 5.20 meters but was unable to surpass the 5.35-meter barrier.
The rest of the regional field saw competitive efforts:
- Richsan Idan Fauzan (Indonesia), Low Jun Yu (Singapore), and Graiwich Panyasawat (Thailand) all cleared 5.00 meters.
- Malaysia’s Muhammad Naufal Shahrul Afzam unfortunately finished with a no-mark.
This latest victory cements EJ Obiena’s legacy as one of Asia’s greatest track and field athletes. By maintaining his grip on the SEA Games crown, he provides the Philippines with another moment of sporting brilliance and sets a high bar for the next generation of Asian pole vaulters.