PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Ernest John “EJ” Obiena won his third Southeast Asian Games men’s pole vault gold medal in record fashion and under the rain on Monday night at the Morodok Techno National Stadium.

And what a way to break his own Games record—he did it thrice in the final delayed for more than one hour because of torrential and unseasonal rains that soothed the heat that bordered around the 40s for days.

“What a way to start my outdoor season,” Obiena, 27, told Filipino reporters who also got themselves soaked as heavy rains fell an hour before sunset.

Obiena broke the SEA Games record of 5.46 meters he set in Hanoi last year first at 5.55 meters then at 5.60 meters and finally at 5.65 meters.

“It’s something that I would make personal, I was done and finished but not good,” he said. “But just as I’ve said, I came here to win.”

Thailand’s Kasinpob Chomchanad and Patsapong Amsamrng clinched silver and bronze with identical 5.20-meter efforts.