Local squad bags 14 golds; Chicano, Kilgroe rule triathlon

CEBU CITY—On a day that the home team made a spirited charge, national team members John Chicano and Kim Kilgroe ruled the triathlon competition of the Philippine National Games on Wednesday.

The 21-year old Chicano captured the gold medal in the men’s 18-above category after reaching the finish line at Maravilla Beach in nearby Tabuelan town in one hour and 1.03 minutes, beating two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas (1:01:35).

Kilgroe, who competed for Zambales, clocked 1:09.56 to clinch the gold in the women’s 18-above event.

Team Cebu City had its most productive day so far, winning 14 gold medals in the fourth day of competition.

Melody Perez, led the Cebu charge by dominating the senior women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase. —WITH REPORTS FROM GLENDALE ROSAL, RAY CHARLIE DIAZ AND MARS ALISON, CEBU DAILY NEWS