MANILA, Philippines – Pinoy Olympian Ernest John 'EJ' Obiena is still Southeast Asia's best pole vaulter as he defended his title in record-setting performance in Hanoi, Vietnam on Saturday, May 14.
Obiena registered 5.46 meters, to win the gold medal in the 31st SEA Games. This erased his previous record of 5.45 meters.
He also tried to break his personal Asian record with his attempt at the 5.94 meters, but failed to do so after three attempts.
Obiena almost missed the biennial meet due to his rift with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), which initially did not want to include the 26-year-old pole vaulter in the SEA Games roster. A Philippine Sports Commission-led arbitration process settled the issue.
He is is currently number 6 in the pole vault world rankings.
On Thursday, he was tasked to be the Philippine contingent's flag bearer in the opening ceremony.
The Philippines hopes to defend its overall SEA Games crown in the pandemic-delayed 31st edition of the competition.
— The Summit Express
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| Photo Credit: Facebook/EJ Obiena |
Obiena registered 5.46 meters, to win the gold medal in the 31st SEA Games. This erased his previous record of 5.45 meters.
He also tried to break his personal Asian record with his attempt at the 5.94 meters, but failed to do so after three attempts.
Obiena almost missed the biennial meet due to his rift with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), which initially did not want to include the 26-year-old pole vaulter in the SEA Games roster. A Philippine Sports Commission-led arbitration process settled the issue.
He is is currently number 6 in the pole vault world rankings.
On Thursday, he was tasked to be the Philippine contingent's flag bearer in the opening ceremony.
The Philippines hopes to defend its overall SEA Games crown in the pandemic-delayed 31st edition of the competition.
— The Summit Express
