Olympian Ernest John Obiena (File photo) HANOI - Ernest John Obiena proved that he is the region's best pole vaulter right in his first leap, retaining his title with ease in the 31st Southeast Asian Games athletic competition at the drizzle-drenched My Dinh National Stadium on Saturday. With his Southeast Asian rivals either failing to clear the bar several times or suffering from cramps from too much exertion, Obiena nonchalantly cleared the bar at 5.4 meters to clinch the gold right on his first attempt. It was 40 centimeters better than the 5-meter leap of compatriot and eventual silver medalist Hocket delos Santos. With the gold safely in the bag, Obiena then aimed at his own SEA Games mark of 5.45 meters he set in the 2019 Philippine SEA Games. Just like in his previous leap, Obiena cleared the bar for a new SEA Games record of 5.46 meters, trouble free to the loud cheers of a handful of Filipino expats and several fellow athletes and Filipino officials on the sidelines. &quo
HANOI Ernest John “EJ” Obiena could have blindfolded himself and still come out winner in men’s pole vault he easily dominated to highlight a productive Saturday for Team Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games. The Tokyo Olympian Obiena was simply a cut above the SEA Games field. He easily cleared 5.40…
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