INQUIRER Sports

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines—They are the world’s top triathletes who came here to compete in the international triathlon and they would go home to their countries fulfilled because of the warm hospitality they experienced from the Bicolanos amid the heat and the traffic that welcomed the whole-day event Sunday.

Waving and cheering folk lined up along both sides of the Maharlika Highway, causing traffic from Anayan, Pili going south to Baao town and from Pili going north to San Fernando town.

Nine years since it was introduced into the 2000 Olympic Games, the triathlon is an endurance and speed sports that require triathletes to undergo swimming, cycling, and running events in succession.

It evolved from fitness competitions among United States Navy Seals involving the three events done in succession.

In a press conference, the top triathletes smiled, remembering the most memorable moments they experienced as they rode across Camarines Sur, watching children waving, farmers tilling their farms ,and ordinary folk standing by the road to cheer them on.

Cheering kids, farmers

“I saw kids lining up the streets and cheering us,” said American Gina Kehr.

She said she also saw farmers working in the fields waving their hands to cheer them.

Australian Chris McCormack could only nod while his colleague described her experience to the media, saying there’s nothing more memorable but the warmth and hospitality of the Bicolanos.

Unanimous in their impression about the people of CamSur, the 10 top athletes nodded to confirm they enjoyed their experience here because of the hospitality which, they said, differentiated their experiences in other countries.

Celebrities and world’s top triathletes joined the biggest sporting event in the province as they came here, ready and focused to test their endurance and speed in the international triathlon race.