Family big reason for Borlain sisters’ success

The Borlain Family. Photo by Randolph Leongson

SUBIC – Triathlon may be an individual sport, but for the Borlain Sisters, it’s always been their teamwork and family’s support that propels them to success.

And that was in full display on Saturday at the 2016 Alaska Ironkids, when all three topped their respective categories and scored a hat-trick.

Samantha, 13, reigned the Girls 13 to 14 category, finishing the race in 47 minutes and 52 seconds. Tara, 12, paced the Girls 11 to 12 category with a time of 35 minutes and six seconds, while youngest Franchezka, 8, only needed 19 minutes to win the Girls 6 to 8 category.

“We’re happy because it’s really our goal: for all of us to win. We really had fun in the course and we had a lot of support so it’s really worth it,” said Samantha.

Borlain patriarch Ringo also could not hide his emotions.

“Personally, I’m very happy na they got what they want. They talked about this and they said they want to do this kasi and I said, ‘If you want it, no one can stop you.’ And I’m very happy that they did it,” he said.

But the siblings couldn’t have done it on their own, as mom Caroline said the sport just brought the sisters and their family closer than ever.

“Each one of them have their own talents,” she said. “Sam is swim, Tara is run, and Chezka is bike. They are like helping each other in their respective disciplines. Napu-push nila yung isa’t isa so ganoon sila, give and take.”

Ringo agreed, as he said, “Nagko-complement sila. They become a team because of the support. This is individual pero it’s a team.”

Also, the family’s support is invaluable, and the Borlain couple is happy to give that to their children while also serving as a model to other young triathlon aspirants.

“If you realize this, without the family, the kids will be sad even if they win. But if you have a family who supports you there, even if you lose, you’re happy,” said Ringo. “You can see others who win but they’re sad. But for some people who cross the finish line, despite them being last, they’re very proud that they did it.”

That familial spirit is what drives the Borlain sisters to continue and excel in the sport.

“Family is our motivation,” said the eldest kin, Samantha. “Our dad gives us his best and we want to give him back what he deserves.”

But despite the success they have had, the Borlains are not forgetting the core values which keeps athletes striving for more.

“We just try to have fun in everything we do, make sure we enjoy, gBy ve our best, and whatever the result is, we leave the rest to God,” said Samantha.