LAPU-LAPU City — Zedrick Borja came out on top by the slimmest of margins over Clifford Pusing in the Alaska Ironkids on Saturday at Shangri-La Mactan.
A tenth of a second separated Borja and Pusing as they crossed the finish line, capping an exciting race for triathletes 13-14 years old that was tight throughout.
The two young competitors registered identical times in the 400-meter swim and 9K bike, and Borja got just a step ahead at the end of the 3K run and finished with a total time of thirty-eight minutes and twenty-four seconds, while Pusing clocked 38:24.1.
Borja expects a long tough rivalry with Pusing.
“Nag-iba na po yung mindset namin, competition na talaga siya. Hindi po kagaya ng last two years medyo play. Ngayon po kasi competitive na,” said Borja, who has one year left in the Ironkids in his age category.
Pusing praise Borja for his strength, and was proud of his own performance.
“Inasahan ko na. Sobrang lakas,” added by Clifford Pusing.
In the girl's division, Cebuanas dominated the 13-14 category with Moira Erediano clocking 41:12.62 ahead of Nicole del Rosario in 42:01.05 and Jeana Canete in 43:11.38.
Justin Hermosa won the 11-12 boys’ division with a time of 34:49.2, edging Jacob Kennedy Lipura (35:52.5) and Jacob Clint Lipura (36:06.9).
In the girl’s 11-12 division, Kira Ellis won in 38:02.2 followed by Kelly Long in 40:25.2 and Arianna Lim 41:42.8.
“Observation ko is more kids are trying the support and we are really introducing the triathlon to Filipinos,” said by Diane Guerta, Alaska Milk Corporation assistant brand manager.
“It’s really important kasi dun mo nakikita na lumalaki ang sports. Iba-iba na yung tao, as you can see there’s a new faces in the sports. I think we’re doing a good job in introducing the sports to Filipino kids,” she added.
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