BANGKOK, Thailand – Philippine pole vault superstar Ernest John “EJ” Obiena soared to his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, clearing 5.50 meters to edge out Thailand’s Patsapong Amsam-ang in a thrilling duel at the Supachalasai National Stadium. The 30-year-old Tokyo Olympian and world No. 2, competing in his fifth SEA Games, delivered a clutch performance under home-crowd pressure, denying the Thai a repeat of his 2023 silver-turned-gold absence.
Obiena, who entered at 5.30m and cleared on first attempt, matched Patsapong’s height before sealing victory at 5.50m—his second try after an initial miss. The Thai faltered on his third attempt, settling for silver, while Indonesia’s Muhammad Rizky took bronze at 5.10m. “It’s always special to win for the Philippines,” Obiena said post-event, dedicating the medal to fans back home. “The competition was tough—Patsapong pushed me hard.”
This triumph extends Obiena’s SEA Games dominance (golds in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), adding to his glittering resume: Asian Games gold, world championships bronze, and multiple Diamond League wins. Despite a slower 2025 season recovering from minor injuries, Obiena’s consistency shines regionally.
The gold contributes to the Philippines’ athletics surge, complementing earlier hauls in hurdles and 800m. As Team PH chases 60 golds, Obiena’s vault isn’t just height—it’s heritage, inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.
Men’s Pole Vault Results:
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Height Cleared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | EJ Obiena | Philippines | 5.50m |
| Silver | Patsapong Amsam-ang | Thailand | 5.40m |
| Bronze | Muhammad Rizky | Indonesia | 5.10m |