Graphics by Alfred Espiña

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena defended his men’s pole vault crown with a 5.91-meter clearance, winning his second straight Asian Games gold and setting a new Games record in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Tuesday, September 29.

The 30-year-old Filipino secured his second straight Asian Games gold after winning the Hangzhou edition in 2023 with a 5.90-meter clearance.

Obiena opened with clean attempts at 5.50, 5.70, and 5.75 meters before missing his first two attempts at 5.80 meters.

Despite the misses, he had already secured the gold as the only vaulter to clear 5.75 meters.

Obiena then raised the bar to 5.91 meters and cleared it on his first attempt, breaking the Games record he set in Hangzhou.

China’s Yao Jie took silver at 5.70 meters through countback, while compatriot Li Chenyang settled for bronze at the same height.

The victory gave the Philippines its third gold medal of the 2026 Asian Games.

Obiena’s successful defense adds another major achievement to his Asian Games career as the competition continues in Aichi-Nagoya.

The Philippines will continue its medal campaign across the remaining events before the Games conclude on October 4.

Article by Ellie Cabalhin