EJ Obiena once again proved he is Southeast Asia’s standard-bearer in pole vaulting, soaring to his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal at Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Facing stiff resistance from Thailand’s Amsam-ang Patsapong, the world No. 11 Filipino ace showed poise and precision when it mattered most, navigating a tense duel that pushed both athletes to their limits before Obiena emerged on top.

The 30-year-old Obiena set the tone early, clearing his opening height of 5.35 meters with ease. He needed two attempts at 5.45 meters but quickly found his rhythm, smoothly sailing past 5.55 and 5.65 meters to draw level with the SEA Games record.

Drama unfolded at 5.70 meters. Obiena needed just one jump to clear the bar, while Amsam-ang stayed in the hunt by eventually making the height in three tries.

With the crowd holding its breath, the gold medal came down to the next bar at 5.75 meters. Both vaulters took their shots, but neither managed to clear the height—sealing the victory for Obiena by virtue of fewer attempts.

In the end, Obiena’s winning clearance of 5.70 meters stood not only as the mark for gold, but also as a new SEA Games record, eclipsing his own previous best of 5.65 meters set in the 2023 edition by five centimeters.

Adding to the Philippines’ strong showing, fellow Filipino Elijah Cole clinched the bronze medal, ensuring two Pinoys finished on the podium in the men’s pole vault.