Back-to-Back: EJ Obiena Defends Pole Vault Crown at the 2026 Asian Games
Photographed by Ryan Kevin and styled by Mark-Paul Barro
The world-class Filipino vaulter conquers Nagoya to claim his second straight Asiad crown and 10th victory of 2026.
Three years after making history as the first Filipino to win an Asian Games pole vault gold medal, EJ Obiena has done it again. The world-class pole vaulter and Vogue Man Philippines July 2024 cover star successfully defended his continental crown in the 2026 edition in Nagoya, Japan, securing back-to-back Asian Games gold medals for the Philippines.
The reigning champion, who holds the Asian record at 6.00 meters, topped the 12-man field at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium with a winning jump of 5.91 meters, breaking his own Asian Games record of 5.90 meters set in Hangzhou. China’s Li Chenyang took the silver medal after exhausting his attempts at 5.80 meters trying to match the Filipino ace.
The result marks Obiena’s 10th title of the 2026 season. Across his outdoor campaign this year, the Filipino pole vaulter has cleared 5.80 meters or higher in 10 separate competitions.
Obiena’s record-setting vault brings Team Philippines its third gold medal of the continental showcase, joining double Olympic champion Carlos Yulo’s two-gold sweep in gymnastics. The record-breaking performance serves as the crowning achievement of Obiena’s 2026 outdoor campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
EJ Obiena is a Filipino pole vaulter and one of the Philippines’ leading track and field athletes. He became the first Filipino to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics and finished fourth in the men’s pole vault final with a 5.90m clearance.
The Asian Games are a major multi-sport competition where athletes from across Asia compete in various sporting events. The 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Li Chenyang is a top Chinese pole vaulter and the current national record holder for China in the men’s pole vault.