LAPU-LAPU CITY—Everly Jana Macalalad has gone tired of trying to hit the prize and missing the target each time she joins the Alaska IronKids.
The 13-year-old bronze medalist in the super sprint category of the recent 2016 Singapore International hopes to reverse her misfortunes in the country’s biggest age group triathlon which starts and ends at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa today.
For the past seven years, Macalalad was a consistent finisher behind perennial IronKids champions Tara and Samantha Borlain.
“I trained hard the past year. I know I could beat them this time,” said Macalalad, who recently got included in the Philippine triathlon developmental team.
The Borlain sisters have become the poster girls of the IronKids for winning their respective age divisions in previous races and they will again banner a field of close to 400 youngsters aged 6-14 in the 400-meter swim, 12-kilometer bike and 3k run event.
Juan Francisco Baniqued, who has yet to taste defeat after sweeping the titles in the boys’ 11-12 age bracket last year, is now the top bet in the 13-14 age group.
The 13-year-old from Biñan, Laguna remained unbeatable in all of his five races following his victory in the Ironkids Aquathlon race two months ago at Subic Bay Freeport.
Macalalad is confident that her long-running rivalry with the Borlain sisters will have a different turnout with the help of revered triathlon coach George Vilog and swim coach Anthony Lozada.
“Coach George has taught me discipline,” said Macalalad, a consistent second and third-placer behind the Borlain sisters.
“He told me that you always find ways to motivate yourself and continue even if you’re already tired.”
The IronKids races for 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 categories will be staged a day before the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship tomorrow where close to 3,000 triathletes from 43 countries are participating.
Alaska IronKids race director Ani De Leon Brown said that by sharing the stage with the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships, these kids get the rare opportunity of meeting the pro athletes whom they admire.