SEA Games: Natalie Uy’s record vault nets PH another gold

 Pole Vaulter Natalie Rose Uy wins gold in women’s pole vault in the athletics event of 30th Southeast Asian Games. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

NEW CLARK CITY — Natalie Uy clinched the gold medal for the Philippines and set a new Southeast Asian Games record in pole vault Sunday night at NCC track and field stadium.

Just as the hometown crowd was reeling from the century dash loss by Kristina Knott, the 25-year-old Uy, from Kettering, Ohio, cleared 4.25 meters to beat Thai defending champion Sukanya Chomchuendee.

Her victory marked the first time the Philippines swept pole vault events after Ernest John Obiena also shattered the record on the way to the men’s title Saturday.

She tried to better personal best of 4.30m by raising the bar to 4.35 but failed thrice despite the rhythmic applause of the crowd.

The 2019 Asian Championships bronze winner reset Chomchuendee’s 2013 SEAG mark of 4.21m.