EJ Obiena keeps reign as pole vault king with new Asian Games record

CEBU, Philippines — Ernest John “EJ” Obiena successfully defended his pole vault crown in record-breaking fashion in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Tuesday night, September 29, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The two-time Olympian already delivered his second straight gold medal for the Philippines in the quadrennial Games after clearing 5.75 meters right in his first attempt.

But the world No.5 pole vaulter decided to put icing on his victory cake by clearing 5.91 meters to surpass his own Asian Games record of 5.90 meters he set in his gold-winning performance at the 19th edition of the continental multi-sport event in Hangzhou, China three years ago.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American middle-distance runner Victoria Bossong bagged a bronze medal in the women’s 800m finals with a time of two minutes and 5.34 seconds.

China’s Hongjiao Yu claimed the gold in 2:04.49, while Bahrain’s Nelly Korir took the silver with a 2:05.16 clocking.  — (FREEMAN)