If there’s one thing EJ Obiena knows, it’s to rise above the standard. He just bagged his fourth straight gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Photo: EJ Obiena/Instagram
On the seventh day of the SEA Games on December 16, EJ struck gold after clearing 5.70 meters, winning via countback. Both he and Thai bet Amsamarng Patsapong set a new Games record at 5.70 meters, but the Filipino athlete secured the top spot after clearing the height in just one attempt, while Amsamarng needed three tries.
Meanwhile, fellow Filipino pole vaulter Elijah Cole claimed the bronze medal with a jump of 5.20 meters.
As the Filipino Olympian clinched another gold medal, he expressed his joy at taking home another win for the country while congratulating fellow pole vaulters for bringing pride to the nation.
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“Pilipinas, this is for you!!! he captioned his Instagram post. ” Yesterday was the textbook definition of an ugly win, but a win nonetheless. 4th SEA Games and a new championship record. I’d take that any day of the week.”
“Tough battle with the boys, and I’m proud of them for boosting the region’s standard. Huge congratulations to @oatpatsapong for the new national record and @fly_with_eli for getting that!!!” he added.
The world No. 5 pole vaulter previously won gold medals at the SEA Games in 2019, 2021, and 2023, and earned a silver medal in 2015. With his 5.70-meter jump, he has now achieved his personal SEA Games best.
The year 2025 marked a remarkable year for EJ Obiena. In February 2025, he won a gold medal at the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Poland, clearing 5.80 meters in three attempts. He also secured victory at the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in France, where he cleared 5.70 meters.
Then, he brought home the gold with a 5.50-meter vault at the Taiwan International Pole Vault, where he faced the competition head-on despite the fog.
Moreover, he also won his third consecutive gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship.
ALSO READ: EJ Obiena Wins Gold at Orlen Copernicus Cup
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