Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 8, 2023: One of southeast Asia’s leading track and field athletes, Tokyo Olympian Ernest “EJ” Obiena of the Philippines, beat the opposition and a torrential downpour to win his third successive men’s pole vault gold at the 32nd SEA Games on Monday.
Competing at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in a late afternoon downpour, Obiena cleared 5.65 metres to break his own SEA Games record of 5.46m and complete a golden hat trick which began at his home SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019.
“It was as wet as it can get,” he said – and posted a video to prove it.
“First Championship of the year went well. Title defended and broke the SEA Games Record four times,” he added.
“Proud of this achievement considering the conditions that we were in. Thank you for everyone that stayed in the rain with us, SEA vaulters.”
Obiena, who is ranked third in the world in men’s pole vault, won the 19th gold medal of the 32nd SEA Games for the Philippines.
“I humbly bring to the Philippines its 19th gold medal at the 32nd SEA Games, and a new SEA Games record of 5.65m,” he said.
The Philippine Sports Commission described Obiena’s success as a “masterful performance” in driving rain.
In a TV interview shortly after his victory, Obiena was asked if it was the first time he had competed in the rain.
“No,” he replied. “We don’t like it but it happens, so it’s fine. This is tough; it’s a different kind of challenge for sure. I knew it was going to rain but was hoping it doesn’t. We prepared for it and, as you can see, I swam!”