After Asian Games gold, EJ Obiena reveals rediscovered love for pole vault: 'I'm enjoying it again' - GMA Network

EJ Obiena has won another Asian Games gold and rewritten the Games record for the second straight edition, but perhaps his biggest takeaway from it is something that cannot be measured in length.

The Filipino star revealed that he has found a different perspective—in life and in sports—and rediscovered the joy he has for pole vault.

"To be honest, I think I've found a little bit of a different perspective in the things that I do," Obiena told POC Media on Tuesday, just after he ruled the men's pole vault at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

"I'm enjoying it again. I'm happy to be going to training, I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to compete. I'm happy to take the risks."

That renewed fire was evident in every jump Obiena made at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The 30-year-old Philippine ace skipped the first three heights and needed just one attempt each to clear 5.50m and 5.70m. He then soared over 5.75m, becoming the only competitor in the field to clear the height and secure his second straight Asian Games gold medal.

However, Obiena knew he still had one more jump left in him. With the gold already secured, he opted to raise the bar to 5.91m in an attempt to break his own Asian Games record of 5.90m.

"I'm cramping up, so, yeah, I told my coach, I think I have one more in me, Games record. I've already won," Obiena shared.

"So it's like, I think I have a good jump in me, but probably I have one. So I said, I'd rather take that risk and try to jump 5.91."

It has been an up-and-down season for Obiena, who only cleared above the 5.80m mark in July after finishing fourth at the Fly Athens in Greece.

From there, Obiena has been consistent with his jumps and even registered a season-best 5.91m finish at the Golden Sand last month. Overall this year, Obiena has won 10 times, with the Asian Games capping off his season.

"I'm satisfied. I think if there's a word to summarize it, I'm satisfied," he said.

"What's next? Rest, vacation. I've been competing since January. I think it's my 10th win of the season, and I think that's a good way to end it."