Trap focuses efforts on young triathletes

MANILA, Philippines—The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (Trap) is focusing its efforts on youth development as it makes a serious bid to send entries in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016 and the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China in 2014.

Trap president Tom Carrasco made the announcement recently even as he outlined local and foreign competitions meant to improve the level of the country’s triathletes.

“We’re putting more investments on our youth,” said Carrasco.

The transition in Trap has actually started with nearly half of the national pool under 20 years old, Carrasco said. Six recruits from Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Olongapo and Nueva Ecija have been included.

The country’s top triathletes, Nikko Huelgas and Kim Mangrobang, begin their Olympic quest in May when they vie in the World University triathlon championship in Taiwan.

Huelgas, who studies at La Salle, has fortified his hold as the country’s No. 1 in the men’s division with a string of solid performances last year. Mangrobang, who hails from Laguna, is the country’s top bet in the women’s category.

Trap is also looking to send athletes in the Asian Games as well as other International Triathlon Union events and Asia Cup series.

The Batang Pinoy, the multi-sport meet for athletes aged 13-15 years old, will be used for talent identification along with the National Age Group Triathlon series.

Carrasco said Trap is also making sure that the duathlon (run-bike-run) squad will be prepared for the 2013 World Games in Colombia.

The duathlon squad is gearing up for the 2012 Asian Duathlon Championships in Clark, Pampanga in November and the Powerman Malaysia duathlon.

Trap will also continue to push for the Green Triathlon environmental awareness project this year.