With family waiting at the finish line, Tara Borlain cruises to last IronKids win

Tara Borlain. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Soaking in the cheers, Tara Borlain comfortably crossed the finish line by her lonesome as she once again ruled the girls’ 13-14 category of the 2017 Alaska IronKids Saturday morning at Shangri-La Mactan here.

But for the rising triathlete, she was never alone.

Though older sister Samantha no longer competed in the youth circuit, the middle Borlain sibling felt her family’s support from start to finish as she capped off a decorated IronKids career.

READ: Graduating Baniqued, Borlain reign in IronKids anew 

“Ever since I started, the most important thing I learned is that family is the key. Winning is just in your mind and in your heart, and if you give your best, you’re already a champion. I believe that your family will be the one to push you for that success to happen,” the 14-year-old said.

Borlain pulled away from the field early and was hardly threatened as she finished the race in 41:34, almost a full four minutes ahead of her closest pursuant.

It was a stark difference from the past years, where Tara and Samantha would always be neck-and-neck en route to their expected 1-2 finish before hugging it out in celebration.

READ: Tara Borlain, Juan Baniqued eye fitting end to IronKids stint

Still, with Samantha and her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, Tara felt like she was on cloud nine.

“It’s actually the best thing I can ask for. When I’m with them, I feel more confident. I got to know myself more because of them,” she said.

Dominant since she first started joining the IronKids, Borlain could only smile as she now puts all her attention on her studies in St. Paul University, while still joining some small triathlon events from time-to-time.

As she is about to take her curtain call, Tara left a few words of wisdom to her fellow youth triathletes.

“Keep believing in yourself,” she said.