Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena solidified his status as Asia’s undisputed best, winning his third consecutive gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on Saturday, May 31. The two-time Olympian successfully defended his title, further adding to his growing collection of accolades.

Obiena, currently ranked world No. 3, clinched the gold in a thrilling jump-off against China’s Huang Bokai. Both vaulters had cleared 5.72 meters but missed at 5.82m, leading to the decisive jump-off. Obiena flawlessly cleared 5.77 meters on his first attempt to secure the victory.

“Three-peat Asian champion!” Obiena proudly wrote on his social media posts, showcasing his latest gold.

This victory marks Obiena’s third consecutive Asian Athletics Championship crown, following his wins in Dubai in 2019 and Bangkok in 2023, where he set the Asian championship record at 5.91m. He is also the reigning gold medalist in the Asian Games from Hangzhou, China, two years prior.

Huang Bokai took home the silver medal, while Patsapong Amsamarng of Thailand secured the bronze with a clearance of 5.67 meters.

Fellow Filipino competitor Hokkett Delos Santos also participated in the event, finishing 13th in the 15-man field.