Jashiva Arsua and her dad Earl after ruling the IronKids’ youngest division. Denison Dalupang/INQUIRER
DAVAO — Jashiva Arsua used a spirited effort in the final stretch of her run race on Friday to best 35 others bets and ultimately rule the IronKids’ youngest division.
Arsua, an 8-year-old swimmer, needed just 8 minutes and 4 seconds to clear the 100-meter and 1-kilometer course at Azuela Cove here.
“I thought I was going to end up second, so this was unexpected,” the lass from Ormoc told the Inquirer as she caressed her medal beside his father Earl in the din of celebrations from proud parents.
The youngster said she struggled in the run phase of her 100m swim and 1km run race which she felt was doubly tougher because of the searing heat of the Davao sun.
“The run was the toughest. (The course) felt very far,” she went on.
Javisha Arsua. Photo from Ironman
Making Arsua’s feat even more impressive is that she was actually the fastest among her age group.
“She’s really competitive,” the older Arsua said of his daughter. “I remember her crying when she wasn’t able to join this certain race months ago.”
Other top finishers include Euan Arrow Ramos and Carlisle Yvaine Bravo, who clocked 11:59 and 14:19, respectively, in the 13 to 15-year-old age group.
Al Dustin Bersabal turned in 10:17 while Christy Ann Perez 10:35 to rule the 11-12 class. Francis Gabriel Batican cleared the swim-run course in just 10:49 while Aliya Adre Adre 11:30.
Rounding out the victors are Team Bagas’ squads in the 6-10 and 11-15 relay races.