A few months ago, Obiena and his mother federation Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) resolved their conflict through the mediation of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

With the endorsement from Patafa for Obiena to play and represent the country in the SEA Games, the Tokyo Olympian quickly passed the 5.40-meter bar in the first attempt and won the gold right away.

Obiena, the world’s number six pole vaulter, broke his own record by .01 meters, which he set in 2019.

The 26-year-old Obiena encouraged the crowd to applaud as he attempted to break his Asian record of 5.93m by shooting for 5.94m., but failed to do so with three attempts as rain began to fall in Hanoi.

Still, Obiena said in an interview with reporters that he was “Relieved, to be honest. And happy,”. 

Meanwhile, Hokett delos Santos won silver with a 5.0m clearance, giving the Philippines a 1-2 finish.