EJ Obiena attempts a leap during the 31st SEA Games men’s pole vault competition. SEA GAMES POOL PHOTO
HANOI — Ernest John Obiena didn’t deny everyone of a chance to glimpse his world class talent, winning the 31st Southeast Asian men’s pole vault gold in record fashion on Saturday.
Amid the hazy sky in the drizzly afternoon at My Dinh Stadium, Obiena waited for all his competitors to finish their preferred heights before going for the 5.40 meters — high enough to win his second straight gold.
WATCH: It only took one jump for EJ Obiena. 5.46m to win #SEAGames gold and new record in pole vault. | @marcreyesINQ pic.twitter.com/FjRLAMwGhW
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 14, 2022
Then in another one-shot attempt after talking to his coach, Obiena cleared 5.46m with plenty to spare, setting a new Games record and bettering his own mark of 5.45m.
After talking to his dad Emerson, EJ went for personal best 5.94m but thrice failed.
“I really wanted to break that (Asian) record, you know. You don’t know how many chance I get,” said Obiena.
Hockett Delos Santos, meanwhile, took home the silver for the Philippines with a clearance of 5.0m.