BANGKOK - EJ Obiena claimed his fourth straight gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games men's pole vault on Tuesday at the Supachalasai National Stadium.
Obiena set a new SEA Games record with a clearance of 5.70 meters, erasing his own mark by 0.05 he set in 2023.
But unlike in past editions, Obiena had to earn this one as he got a tough challenge from Thailand's Patsapong Amsam-ang.
Patsapong cleared the 5.70-meter bar in his third and final attempt to extend the competition.
Both pole vaulters later missed the 5.75 mark on all three attempts with Obiena winning via countback as he set 5.70 on the first try.
Obiena’s compatriot Elijah Cole got the bronze with a leap of 5.20 meters.
Too close for comfort
Obiena was glad to come out as a winner especially as his 2025 season actually ended during the World Pole Vault Challenge last September. Now he's just starting to prepare for 2026.
“Too close for comfort,” said Obiena. “I knew that going in, it’s early in the season. I thought I would win with 5.65, 5.60. I have like four bleeding blisters going in. It is what it is. I had a jump to do.”
Patsapong fed off from the home fans to challenge Obiena with his 5.70 being a personal best.
“I was hoping that he would not push me today but that’s competition. I had my fair share of competing at home. I know how that feels,” said Obiena, whose first gold medal in the SEA Games was in 2019 at home at the New Clark City.
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