Elijah Cole arrived at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games as a relatively low-profile Filipino-American pole vaulter. He left Bangkok not only as a bronze medalist for the Philippines, but as one of the most talked-about athletes of the meet, drawing attention that extended well beyond the runway.
The 27-year-old secured third place in the men’s pole vault final on December 16, delivering another podium finish for Team Philippines in an event long dominated by regional powerhouses. Thailand is hosting this year’s SEA Games, which opened on December 9 and concludes on December 20, 2025.
While Cole’s bronze medal added to the country’s track-and-field haul, much of the online buzz surrounding him stemmed from unexpected territory. Social media lit up over his movie-star looks and his name, which some netizens playfully misinterpreted, fueling curiosity among Filipino fans eager to learn more about the athlete behind the viral posts.
As attention swirled online, Cole remained focused on the competition and the journey that brought him to the SEA Games stage. Speaking to One Sports, he admitted that his preparation came together under tight circumstances.
“I just prepared… it was a little bit rushed but we got ready for it,” Cole said. “I think if I had one more meet like a little rust buster, I would have been a lot better.”
Despite that, he delivered when it mattered, earning a medal and valuable international experience in front of a supportive crowd. Cole made it clear that the backing he felt from the stands and from his family played a critical role in his performance.
“I needed you guys so bad on that last attempt,” he shared in an interview with One Sports correspondent Alyssa Valdez. “Having the support of my family, the crowd, I really needed it.”
Cole also credited reigning Asian pole vault star EJ Obiena, who claimed gold in the same event, for offering timely encouragement throughout the competition. For Cole, sharing the runway with Obiena was not intimidating but inspiring.
“He’s a superstar,” Cole said. “Having him as a competitor… I’m lucky, very lucky. He’s the best. He said the right things at the right time. Good encouragement, that’s all I need.”
Obiena, in turn, welcomed the emergence of another Filipino flag-bearer on the international stage, celebrating the rare moment of two Filipinos standing on the SEA Games podium in the men’s pole vault.
For Cole, the Bangkok Games marked more than a medal finish. It was an introduction to Filipino fans who are now watching his career with growing interest, drawn initially by curiosity but staying for the promise he brings to Philippine athletics. As the spotlight finds him earlier than expected, Elijah Cole appears ready to let his performances, rather than the buzz, define what comes next.