Son gives triathlete Caroline Steffen more reasons to win

FILE – Caroline Steffen celebrates with her 18-month-old son Xander after crossing the finish line. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

CEBU, Philippines—Caroline Steffen is looking to go two out of three in this year’s Ironman 70.3 Philippines races and a little someone has been making her racing experience a little more special.

Steffen, who has been taking her son Xander around pre-race activities including the Meet the Pros event Friday, said she’s not only competing to take home another gold medal.

“I want to be a good example for him and it’s not easy being a mom but I try to do my best and so far he seems to be happy,” said Steffen.

“I’m taking him everywhere with me, he’s part of Meet the Pros and all the stuff I do. This race is also for all the mommies out there.”

Steffen won the gold medal in the Subic Bay event and settled for the silver piece in Davao after losing to Radka Kahlefeldt.

Steffen, though, won’t be facing off against her rival Kahlefeldt in the Cebu, which is the last Ironman 70.3 event this year.

“Unfortunately Radka is injured at the moment, and we had great battles together so it’s quite a shame she’s not here,” said Steffen. “I’ll do my best down here.”