Paul David Visda

When the stakes were highest and the bar set even higher, EJ Obiena rose to the moment. In a nerve-racking jump-off, the Filipino pole vault star towered over 5.77 meters to claim his third consecutive gold at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships.

Photo Courtesy of Reuters.

Neck-to-neck finish

But the victory didn’t come easy. After China’s Huang Bokai matched Obiena’s 5.72-meter clearance on his first attempt. It set up a jump-off, a sudden death with gold on the line.

Proving steadier down crunch time, Obiena showed why he’s among the world’s best,executing a clean clearance on the 5.77-meter in the first try, while Huang failed to rise to the challenge. In a single attempt, the Filipino sealed his spot at the top yet again.

A continental climb from Doha to Gumi

From his first Asian gold in Doha last 2019, to the record-breaking 5.91 m in Bangkok in 2023, now to Gumi. Obiena now sets his sights beyond Asia, aiming to leave his mark on the global stage. 

“We’re looking at the World Championships later this year. Definitely, there will be more training for EJ,’’ said EJ’s coach, Vitaly Petrov.

Redemption arc in full swing

The road hasn’t been without its stumbles. The 2024 Paris Olympics brought heartbreak where Obiena narrowly missed the podium, a bittersweet fourth-place finish that could’ve broken many. But not him.

Instead of backing down, he refocused. Triumphs in Shanghai and Xiamen laid the groundwork for redemption. Gumi was the answer to silence every doubt.

Obiena’s 2025 season isn’t just about medals. It’s a comeback. A resurgence. A reminder that champions don’t stay down for long.