EJ Obiena delivered another historic performance for the Philippines after winning his second straight Asian Games pole vault gold medal and setting a new Games record at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.
Competing at the rain-soaked Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Obiena cleared 5.91 meters to break his own Asian Games record of 5.90 meters, which he set during his gold medal victory at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
The Filipino pole vaulter secured the gold after clearing 5.75 meters, becoming the only competitor in the field to surpass that height. China’s Jie Yao and Li Chenyang finished behind Obiena after both recorded 5.70-meter clearances.
With the title already secured, Obiena raised the bar to 5.91 meters in an attempt to break his own Games record. He successfully cleared the height on his final attempt, adding another milestone to his Asian Games career.
“I’m satisfied. The Games record was already won,” Obiena said.
“I think I have a good jump in me. That’s pretty much the story. I’m better, that’s for sure. I’m getting smarter.”
The victory marked the Philippines’ third gold medal in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, following Carlos Yulo’s two gold medal performances in gymnastics.
Obiena entered the competition after clearing 5.50 meters, 5.70 meters, and 5.75 meters before missing twice at 5.80 meters. Instead of ending his night after securing the championship, he attempted the record-breaking 5.91-meter clearance.
The win added another achievement to Obiena’s decorated career. The Filipino athlete remains the holder of the Asian pole vault record at 6.00 meters and continues to hold major titles across international competitions.
Obiena’s gold medal gave the Philippines another defining moment at the Asian Games, with the country’s athletes continuing their medal campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
