It was a highly successful 30th Southeast Asian Games Campaign for the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, as the organization overpowered all opposition and walked away with the most number of medals compared to its competitors, and with the highest possible results for the Triathlon events in particular.
The team, led by the SEA Games’ first Filipino Gold Medalist John Chicano, and fellow double Gold Medalist Kim Mangrobang, stamped its dominance from Day 1. It was a sight to behold, having our athletes outclass the others winning by huge margins. This clearly indicates that the level of triathlon racing in the Philippines has reached a new high, with the next goal of having an athlete join the Olympics now a real possibility. And if all goes according to plan and with the support from her teammates, Kim Mangrobang will be able to do so in Tokyo next year.
Apart from the top-level athletes who got fielded in the SEA Games, the federation now has a lot of talented juniors waiting in the wings who were surely inspired watching the heroic feats of their teammates. With all of these things in place, and hopefully even more support from the government and private sectors, the future of the sport in the country is going to be nothing but brilliant.
(Ani de Leon-Brown is a champion triathlete coach and a decorated athlete. She is part of the coaching staff of the Philippine national triathlon team.)
Final Medal Tally
Individual Men’s Triathlon
John Chicano: Gold
Kim Remolino: Silver
Filipino triathletes Andrew Remolino and John Chicano wave the national flag after finishing first and second at the triathlon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Zambales. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Individual Women’s Triathlon
Kim Mangrobang: Gold
Kim Kilgroe: Silver
Filipino triathletes Kim Kilgroe and Kim Mangrobang during the awarding ceremony of the women’s triathlon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Zambales. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Mixed Team Relay Triathlon
Kim Mangrobang, Fer Casares, Claire Adorna, John Chicano: Gold
Filipino triathetes Kim Mangrobang, Claire Adorna, Spanish-Filipino Fernando Casares and John Leerams Chicano after triathlon mixed relay in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Individual Men’s Duathlon
Joey Delos Reyes captures the silver medal at the men’s duathlon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Zambales. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Joey De Los Reyes: Silver
Individual Women’s Duathlon
Monica Torres: Gold
Monica Torres crosses the finish line unopposed at the women’s duathlon competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Zambales. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Mixed Team Relay Duathlon
Monica Torres, Efraim Iñigo, Pawie Fornea, Doy Comendador: Bronze
Filipino triathletes Mary Pauline Fornea, Efrraim Inigo and Monica Torres after duathlon mixed relay in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Zambales. Part of the team Emmanuel Comendador (not in photo). INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE