SUBIC, Zambales – The vaunted Philippine team ruled the Southeast Asian Games 2019 triathlon mixed relay event on Monday to add to the country’s gold medal haul.
SEA Games triathlon gold medalist Kim Mangrobang led the powerhouse team as the country’s first entry, trailed by Fernando Casares. SEA Games 2017 silver medalist Claire Adorna was the third to race while another gold medal winner, John Rambo Chicano, anchored the team that raised the country's gold medal tally to 37.
The Philippines clocked one hour, 33 minutes, and 47 seconds, about four minutes ahead of silver medalist Singapore with 1:37:58, and bronze finisher Indonesia with 1:38:57.
Kim Mangrobang commended her team’s smooth run that paved the way for their victory.
“’Yun talaga strategy na naisip ng coaches namin, sinunod lang namin. Mas relax kami kasi yesterday nakita na namin ‘yung mga kalaban namin tapos may dalawa kaming fresh legs,” she said.
Running last, Chicano, who ran an extra two kilometers, admitted that he felt quite tense doing his best to sustain the huge lead built by his teammates.
“Sa'kin medyo may pressure pero okay naman kasi malaki ‘yung agwat nung turn ko na,” he said.