Gian Taylor kicks off national team dream, rules Go for Gold Sprint Cebu leg

15-year-old triathlete Gian Taylor. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Gian Taylor got off to a great start in his bid to make the Team Go for Gold and national squad in the future.

The 15-year-old triathlete from Malaybalay, Bukidnon he ruled the male 12-17 category of the first leg of the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint recently in Naga, Cebu.

He completed the short-distance triathlon that serves as a qualifying race for the Go For Gold team in one hour, 11 minutes and 36 seconds.

“My biggest dream is to represent our country to the Olympics,” said Taylor, a Grade 9 student from San Isidro College High School in Bukidnon after the750-meter open-water swim, 20km bike and 5km race.

Renzo Mar Pahaganas checked in second in 1:21:4 followed by Jericho Auguis, who clocked in at 1:21:57.

Five more races have been lined up where the top male and female finishers get to earn a contract from Go For Gold, a chief backer of the men’s triathlon team.

“This came from our commitment to grow events in the Philippines which our athletes could join so they will have more opportunities to showcase their talent,’’ said Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go.

The next stop will be the Go For Gold SwimBikeRun.PH Aquaman at Vermosa Sports Hub on May 19 followed by the Go For Gold SBR PH Duaman in Nuvali on June 16.

Another Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint in Davao City is scheduled for July 7 followed by the Go For Gold SBR PH Triman-Clark on July 28 and the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint-Subic on Nov. 4.

The 10 fastest clockings in both men and women during the SBR races and the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint open category would be rewarded with corresponding points according to their order of finish.

The winners, which will be announced after the Nov. 4 race, will receive a professional contract worth up to P100,000 plus a Storck bike and a specially crafted Go For Gold trophy.