EJ Obiena bucked the pouring rain to set a new SEA Games record and secure another gold for the Philippines. POC/PSC Media.
(UPDATED) EJ Obiena showed his class in less than ideal conditions as he retained the gold medal in pole vault, Monday evening at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
The Tokyo Olympian cleared 5.65 meters, a new Southeast Asian Games record, despite the event being paused for over an hour due to the pouring rain in the Cambodian capital.
Obiena delivered the Philippines' 19th gold medal in the 32nd SEA Games. It is also his third SEA Games gold, having ruled the pole vault in 2019 at home and last year in Hanoi, Vietnam as well.
The world No. 3 cleared 5.20-m and 5.40-m before the competition was temporarily stopped due to the rain. The long break did not deter Obiena, as he cleared 5.55-m to break his old mark of 5.46-m.
He went on to clear 5.60-m and finally, 5.65-m to set the new standard in Southeast Asia.
"What a way to start my outdoor season," said Obiena. "Just as I've said, I came here to win."
Thailand’s Kasinpob chomchanad and Patsapong Amsamrng clinched silver and bronze with identical 5.20-meter efforts.
Meanwhile, the team of Frederick Ramirez, Joyme Sequita, Michael del Prado, and Umajesty Williams claimed bronze in the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:23.690.
They finished behind Vietnam (3:21.270) and Thailand (3:23.020).
Alfrence Braza fell short of the podium in the men's 1500m, as his time of 4:00.310 was good for fourth.
Joida Gagnao also finished fourth in the women's 5000m (17:22.480).
For more stories on the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, click here.