The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) aims to bolster its long-term program with the inclusion of new athletes to its training pools.
TRAP president Tom Carrasco said there are seven new members in the triathlon and duathlon squads, five athletes in the 20 years old and under age group pool and two veterans based on their performances at the National Duathlon Trials last Dec. 12 in Clark, Pampanga.
Carrasco added they also aim to beef up their women’s training pool by 30 percent.
“We aim to step up to the Asian level and also aim to send qualifiers to the Olympics and the world championships,” Carrasco said,
“With this young crop of athletes who have shown great potential and commitment, we are very optimistic of achieving our long-term goals.”
Among the newcomers were Raven Alcoseba and Matthew Justin Hermosa from Cebu, Heart Quiambao from Bukidnon, Jena Valdez from Pangasinan, and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda from Parañaque – all averaging from 17 to 20 years old.
The two veterans were 35-year-old Alexandra Ganzon from Iloilo and 33-year-old Raymond Torio of Pangasinan.
The PH team had a 1-2 medal finish in the men’s (John chicano and Kim Remolino) and women’s triathlon (Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe) of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, while also dominating the mixed relay composed of Chicano, Mangrobang, Fer Casares and Claire Adorna.
Mangrobang and Kilgroe, meanwhile, made it to the Top 7 of the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, even as Chicano, Mangrobang and Mark Anthony Hosana finished sixth in the mixed relay.