Kims still with a lot of work left to do

Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Kim Kilgroe has set up camp in California. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Triathletes Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe know the amount of work required for them to earn trips to the Tokyo Olympics and are losing a lot of chances to gain ground with practically the whole world in lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kims—poster girls of Philippine triathlon—are keenly awaiting word from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) to give the green light on qualifying tournaments, though that will depend highly on how the world copes with the current health crisis.

Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco said everything is still up in the air as far as the schedule of the qualifiers are concerned, with most countries in the world struggling to flatten the curve and beat the virus.

“It’s hard to say that they (Mangrobang and Kilgroe) will have more chances to qualify,” Carrasco said. “Everything is hanging. The ITU still has to announce the new program of activities and qualifying standards.’’

Mangrobang, the reigning two-time Southeast Asian Games champion, is currently ranked 193rd in the world, while Kilgroe, who settled for the silver in the Games held in Subic last December, stands at No. 204. Only the top 55 in the world will get slots to Tokyo.

And less qualifying events would mean less chances for both to improve on their rankings.

Presently staying in Portugal, the 28-year-old Mangrobang has only participated in five qualifying races with qualifying ending on June 29 next year.

The 30-year-old Kilgroe has competed in only two Olympic qualifiers. Currently setting up camp in California, Kilgroe placed fifth in the 2020 Shandrani ATU Triathlon African Cup on March 15.