Triathlon gets huge boost from new backer

Women’s triathlon gold medalist Kim Mangrobang. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES POOL

Nikko Huelgas CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES POOL

Expect more triathletes in the mold of Southeast Asian Games champions Nikko Huelgas and Kim Mangrobang to carry the national colors in the future.

Triathlon secretary general Tom Carrasco said the national developmental pool had found a corporate backer in New Balance, which has thrown its support to create more Olympic-bound triathletes.

“We really appreciate the efforts of New Balance to help our up-and-coming athletes,” said Carrasco.

The Triathlon Association of Philippines (TRAP) official added they have a vast pool of raw talents in Cebu, Talisay, Baler, Davao and Tagum in need of guidance and support.

“You’ll be surprised at the growing number of kids who are into the sport,” said Carrasco. “They need our help to become better.”

For starters, the TRAP developmental pool will be the main beneficiary of the 2018 New Balance Run On Manila on Feb. 11 at McKinley West, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where thousands of runners have already signed up.

“We hope to see future Filipino Olympians in triathlon,” said Planet Sports Inc. president Anton Gonzalez, organizer of the 15th edition of the annual race.

“There’s a lot of developing young triathletes who need help from companies for the development of their skills,” added Gonzalez.

He said Filipino triathletes have dominated the SEA Games and were slowly working on conquering the continental scene.

“The Olympics is a tough one, but in the Asian Games there’s a chance. Hopefully it would get better for us in the Asian level,” said Gonzalez.

“The triathlon association has a good program to develop contenders on the regional level.”