SEA Games: High golden hopes for PH triathletes

SINGAPORE—Expectations are high for Jonard Saim and Nikko Huelgas to dominate men’s triathlon in the 28th Southeast Asian Games here.

“With these guys, I’m betting on a 1-2 finish,” said triathlon association chief Tom Carrasco.

Saim, a prized find from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and the 23-year-old Huelgas finished 10th and 11th among 24 participants in the Incheon Asian Games last year. They were the only entries from Southeast Asia to crack the top 10.

“Based on their performances, both are strong contenders for the gold,” said Carrasco, also the chair of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The punishing swim-bike-run events unfold tomorrow at the East Coast Park of this vibrant island city-state.

Equally impressive during the Asiad were Claire Adorna and Kim Mangrobang in the women’s category.

Adorna wound up seventh while Mangrobang placed ninth among 30 participants. No other female triathlete from Asean finished better than the two.