TWO-TIME Olympian EJ Obiena cemented his status as a premier pole vaulter in Asia.

Obiena survived a spirited resistance by a Chinese opponent and secured his third straight gold medal in the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea over the weekend.

Obiena secured the victory by tallying a 5.77-meter leap in the jump-off.

Obiena and Huang Bokaia easily hurdled 5.72 meters before they borth failed in three attempts at 5.82.

Lowering the bar at 5.77m in the jump-off, Obiena succeeded in his first attempt to seal the win with Bokai settling for silver.

Thailand’s Patsapong Amsamarng went home with the bronze with 5.67m.

Owner of the Asian record at six meters, Obiena earlier cleared 5.52m before he skipped the 5.62m and 5.57m.

Obiena’s golden triumph saved the Philippine team from a medal shutout at the end of the week-long continental meet. The country ended the meet at 10th spot in the overall medal tally.

The Philippines finished with two golds in the tournament's 2024 edition.(CCM)

• Tags
• #EJ Obiena
• #Pole Vault
• #Gold Medal
• #Asian Athletics Championships
• #Gumi South Korea
• #5.77-meter leap
• #Huang Bokaia,