EJ Obiena Bags Philippines’ Third Asian Games Gold Despite Accident Before Competition

EJ Obiena continues to reign as Asia’s pole vault king, closing out his 2026 season with another historic victory at the Asian Games.

The Filipino pole vaulter successfully defended his title by clearing 5.91 meters on Tuesday at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan, securing back-to-back Asian Games gold medals.

Obiena’s latest victory was made even more remarkable as his 5.91-meter clearance set a new Asian Games record, surpassing his previous mark of 5.90 meters, which he set at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

His gold medal also added to the Philippines’ medal haul, bringing the country’s total to three golds in the Games. Before Obiena’s victory, the Philippines had two gold medals, both won by fellow Olympian Carlos Yulo in the men’s floor exercise and men’s vault.

Following his victory, Obiena took to Instagram to reflect on the emotions that come with competing at the highest level.

“As athletes, we live in these moments. Moments that make us overthink, stress us, adrenaline pumping pressure on our backs and sometimes… just sometimes pure joy. I take these moments as a blessing. This is what keeps me going back for more.”

EJ Obiena admitted that learning he had set a new Asian Games record was a special moment for him, especially since the feat had already been on his mind even before the competition began. However, the unpredictable weather and a minor accident on the morning of the event kept his focus elsewhere.

“I had an accident this morning. I tripped and fell. So, you know, it is what it is sometimes. Because we’re staying pretty far from the track. I did my training in the morning in the hallway and I tripped. I’m good. It’s just, you know, carpet burns,” he explained to reporters, showing the wounds on his left arm and knee.

Despite the unexpected mishap, Obiena went on to deliver a record-setting performance. More than the victory, however, the Filipino pole vaulter opened up about how 2026 has given him a renewed perspective on his sport, particularly compared to the challenges he faced in 2025.

“To be honest, I think I’ve found a little bit of a different perspective about my event. The things that I do, I’m enjoying it again. I’m happy to be going and training. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to train. I’m happy to compete. I’m happy to take the risk,” he said.

He continued, “I don’t think I need to change anything. I just need to figure this out, still understand what exactly am I feeling and why exactly am I happy, why exactly am I looking forward to these things.”

In a separate interview with POC Media, Obiena previously opened up about the difficult period he experienced following the 2024 Paris Olympics. Looking back, he acknowledged that he had struggled to find the same excitement for the sport.

“I think I was not enjoying the sport as much as I should. And I think that took a toll on me in a way. Like, I’m not feeling the excitement. I feel not, I wouldn’t say empty, but kind of empty,” EJ told POC Media.

Now, after a year marked by renewed enthusiasm and another Asian Games title, Obiena described his current outlook as something of a rebirth.

“And to be honest, I missed it. And with that, I would say it’s a bit of a reborn. Much different perspective than it was. A little bit of fun, a little bit of reality. Like I said, I’m still digesting why and where exactly I’m at,” he said.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, qualifying for the Games remains part of Obiena’s goals. For now, however, he is focused on continuing to enjoy the sport and embracing the risks that come with it.

“I’m enjoying myself. So, I think for sure, if I’m healthy, God willing, I qualify in all of these things, I don’t see why not. And as long as I’m having fun, I think I’m going to keep jumping.”

Lead photos from @ernestobienapv