KIM Mangrobang underscored her status as one of the country’s top female triathletes by bagging the bronze medal in the women’s elite division of the Ylan Asian Cup Triathlon over the weekend in Chinese Taipei.
The 21-year-old Mangrobang completed the grueling 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run course with a time of two hours, 14 minutes and 38.95 seconds to finish behind champion Anel Stewart of South Africa and runner-up Joyce Cheung Ting Yan of Hong Kong.
National champion Nikko Huelgas and fellow Philippine bet John Chicano also competed in the men’s elite division which Anthony McSweeney of Australia ruled.
Huelgas posted a 1:54:12.95 clocking to finish sixth, while Chicano wound up 11th in 2:00:30.40 in the event that drew more that 800 international racers.
The three Filipinos were backed by the Philippine Sports Commission under the sports development program of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines.
Next month, Huelgas will leave for Auckland, Australia, to attend the ITU World Under-23 and Junior Camp as one of only three Asian invitees.
National triathlon coach George Vilog will also participate in the event as a camp facilitator. Jasmine W. Payo