Obiena leaps to gold, defends Asian Games glory

Two-time Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena defended his pole vault throne at the 2026 Asian Games, soaring to gold and setting a new meet record of 5.91m at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan, Sept. 29.

As the bar climbed to 5.75, Obiena stood alone above the field after sailing over the height on his first attempt, while China’s Li Chenyang and Yao Jie failed to match the Filipino’s mark in the succeeding attempts, sealing Obiena’s gold medal.

China’s Yao Jie claimed the silver medal with a 5.70 clearance, edging out compatriot Li Chenyang on countback, with Li settling for bronze. 

Having secured the gold, Obiena continued his quest for history; the pressure intensified after failing twice at 5.80m, but instead of backing down, he set his sights higher.

With the bar raised to 5.91m, Obiena charged down the runway and launched himself cleanly above the bar, eclipsing his previous 5.90m Asian Games record by one centimeter and etching his name into the record books.

After his remarkable showing, Obiena cemented his spot among the Philippines’ gold medalists at the 20th Asian Games, joining Carlos Yulo and newly crowned Jeus Yape in bringing another victory for the country.

The record-breaking outing he showcased in Nagoya extended his reign as one of Asia's premier pole vaulters, leaving the Philippines with another golden chapter to celebrate.