SUBIC, Zambales — There’s no stopping the Philippine national triathlon team from aiming higher.
Filipino triathletes once again proved that they are the kings and queens of triathlon as in the region Rambo Chicano and Kim Remolinod rule the men’s division, while Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe dominated the women’s division of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
It was another 1-2 finish in the two events, just like the 2017 meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

But for Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) top official Tom Carrasco, this is not the time to be complacent, instead it’s the perfect chance to get even better.
“Maganda, it’s a good achievement but I want to go higher,” said Carrasco on Sunday after the Philippines’ bets deliver the country’s first batch of gold medals.
“Sa Incheon Asian Games at sa recent one [Jakarta-Palembang], nasa Top 10 tayo eh, siguro dapat [next time] nasa Top 3 Asian Games,” he added.
Aside from a podium finish in the Asian Games, Carrasco is setting his bar higher as he eyes an Olympic stint.
But the sports official also pointed out that the neighboring countries are also working doubly hard to improve.
“Of course, of course not [we won’t settle]. Lalakas pa ‘yang mga ‘yan [kalaban],” he said. “Vietnam has started, nag-reorganize; ang Indonesia Triathlon Group [is also preparing]; Thailand is always on the go nagpapatulong nga sa amin. We’re gonna hepl Cambodia, I’ll bring my coaching staff in Cambodia and we will help the Cambodians for the 2023 SEA Games,” he added.

Chicano and Mangrobang’s golds kicked off the country’s bid for the 30th SEA Games and Carrasco insisted he must give credit where the credit is due.
“It’s a tribute doon sa paghihirap ng mga bata,” he said. “Naghirap ang mga ‘yan. Aside from what the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) has given us, they were able to produce or generate their own sponsorship. Whatever PSC gives, bigay ko sa kanila.”
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