EJ Obiena claims gold, sets new record in SEA Games

Ernest John Obiena continues to take his pole vaulting prowess to greater heights, as the Filipino Olympian swiftly clinched a gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian Games today, May 14.

Obiena cleared a height of 5.46 meters in a single attempt during the men's pole vault competition at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. His point broke his own record of 5.45m in the SEA Games in 2019.

Shortly after, Obiena attempted to smash his previous Asian record of 5.93m, but fell short thrice. The pole vault star's medal is the eleventh gold medal the Philippines bagged on Saturday.

Filipino pole vaulter Hokett delos Santos, meanwhile, bagged the silver medal that gave the Philippines a 1-2 finish.

In addition to representing the country in the pole vault competition, Obiena carried the Philippine flag during the opening ceremonies held at 9 p.m. on May 12. The Olympian led the 31 athletes and officials representing the country at the Games during the event's Parade of Nations.