Metro Manila, Philippines – EJ Obiena shrugged off early jitters to rule the pole vaulting competition at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on Tuesday, Dec. 16, capturing his fourth straight gold medal in the biennial meet.
Obiena showed Olympian might in facing an intense battle against hometown bet Patsapong Amsamarng at the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, securing the victory via countback.
While both cleared 5.7 meters, the Filipino athlete had a cleaner run compared to his Thai foe at that height.
They effectively reset the competition record, with Patsapong celebrating a new personal best.
It was Obiena who set the previous record at 5.65 meters in 2023.
Completing the podium was Kevin Cole with his 5.2-meter clearance, helping Team Philippines in its SEA Games performance.
World no. 11 Obiena skipped earlier heights and started at 5.35 meters, where only three out of seven competitors remained.
Cole, who is based in the United States, did not clear the height, but he was already assured of the bronze medal at that point.
At 5.45 meters, Obiena knocked off the bar to force him to a second attempt. This gave Patsapong the upper hand after clearing the height with one try.
After sailing through 5.55 meters and 5.65 meters, the favor switched to Obiena with his clean single vault at 5.7 meters against the struggling Patsapong. The Thai player showed determination and cleared the bar with the third attempt.
They made efforts at the 5.75 meters but failed.
Just three months ago, the two-time Olympian Obiena leaped to 5.80 meters to win the World Pole Vault Challenge held in Makati.
