EJ Obiena sets new SEA Games pole vault record, defends gold medal

EJ Obiena is still Southeast Asia's best pole vaulter.

On Saturday, the Olympian defended his gold medal as he ruled the men's pole vault event in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Saturday after he cleared 5.46 meters.

It broke the SEA Games record which Obiena also previously held at 5.45 meters.

Obiena tried to break his personal Asian record with his attempt at the 5.94 meters, but failed to do so in three attempts.

He also won the gold medal in the 2019 edition of the biennial meet held in the country.

Obiena, who almost missed the SEA Games due to his rift with his mother club back then, is currently number 6 in the pole vault world rankings. He also holds the Asian pole vault record at 5.93 meters.

Aside from Obiena, Filipino vaulter Hockett delos Santos also competed in the event where he claimed the silver after clearing 5.00 meters.

Delos Santos is coached by Obiena's father Emerson.

—JMB/MGP, GMA News