Preparing as best as it could for the future, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) has begun tweaking the national team lineup and has infused fresh blood with high hopes of elevating its output on bigger stages.
TRAP president Tom Carrasco laid the foundation of the upgrade by inserting seven new members to the national triathlon and duathlon squads following their fine performances during the recent national duathlon trials.
The newcomers for the women’s team are 20-year-old Raven Alcoseba of Cebu, 18-year-old Heart Quiambao of Bukidnon and 17-year-old Jena Valdez of Pangasinan. Matthew Justin Hermosa, an 18-year-old from Cebu, and 17-year-old Lorenzo Joaquin Solda of Parañaque are the prized finds for the men’s team.
Veterans Alexandra Ganzon of Iloilo City and Raymond Torio of Pangasinan will join the cast of newbies as the Philippine triathlon and duathlon teams ramp up their efforts to progress in the continental and global arenas.
“We should manage and develop our national team long-term because we aim to step up to the Asian level and send qualifiers to the Olympics and World Championships,’’ said Carrasco.
The national triathlon team has become the dominant force in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, bagging the gold medals in both men’s and women’s races for three consecutive SEA Games.They likewise swept the silver medals in both categories in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur and 2019 Subic editions of the SEA Games.
“With this young crop of athletes who have shown great potential and commitment, we are very optimistic of achieving our long-term goals,’’ said Carrasco.
TRAP also achieved its target of having at least 30 percent women in the team composition as an initial ratio.
At present, eight female triathletes/duathletes comprise the 23-strong roster, and TRAP will work on moving up the percentage to 40-45 percent by next year before eventually reaching 50 percent.
The second wave of recruitment will happen with the holding of the national triathlon trials on Feb. 6.
Defending SEA Games champs John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang are favored to extend the country’s reign next year in Hanoi, Vietnam. INQ