Courtesy: POC Media
EJ Obiena extended his reign in the Asian Games men’s pole vault, after successfully defending his title in record-breaking fashion while delivering the Philippines’ third gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya.
Defying the rainy contidions at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Obiena soared perfectly to clear the 5.91-meter bar, eclipsing his own games record of 5.90m which he posted three years ago in Hangzhou China.
Obiena, who already secured the coveted gold after being the only participant to successfully clear 5.75m, tried to hurdle the next height of 5.80m, but failed twice.
For his final attempt, he upped the ante by increasing the height to 5.91m, and with the crowd cheering him on, the world no. 11 Filipino vaulter showcased his record-breaking performance, duplicating his season-best and meet record at the Golden Sand in Poland just last month.
On his way to the gold medal, the 30-year old Obiena cleared 5.50m, 5.70m, and 5.75m, all on his first try.
China’s Jie Yao posted a 5.70m effort identical to his compatriot Chenyang Li, but got the silver after a countback.
Obiena’s golden feat is the Philippines’ third in the quadrennial games, following Carlos Yulo’s two gold medals in floor exercise and vault events of the men’s gymnastics.
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