CLARK FREEPORT— After bagging the gold and silver medals in the past editions of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Philippine triathlon team will aim to surpass the country’s title in the biennial games this year after getting a boost in their training at the modern sports facilities here.
Philippine triathlon team coach Melvin Fausto recently said that being the host country of the 30th edition of the SEA Games is an advantage for their team. He also emphasized the importance of having a modern training facility in Clark.
“Of course, it’s an advantage and having our own training facilities here (New Clark City) has helped boost our confidence and motivated our athletes to compete, which as a coach I believe (is) very important,” he said.
The members of the triathlete team who will complete for individual competition – men’s division are Andrew Kim Remolino and John Chicano while Kim Mangrobang, Kim Kilgroe, and Claire Adorna will lead in the women’s division. Niko Huelgas will also join the team for the mixed-relay category with Fer Cesares.
A suitable athlete’s training hub, the New Clark City (NCC) Athletics Stadium is a world-class 20,000 – seater stadium and an IAAF Class 1 certified facility.
Team Philippines won two gold medals in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games after Nikko Huelgas and Mangrobang won in the men’s and women’s triathlon, respectively, at the Water Sports Complex in Putrajaya.
Huelgas’ teammate Chicano, won the silver, giving the Philippines a 1-2 finish in men’s triathlon during the 2017 SEA games.
Huelgas defended his triathlon title with a time of 1:59.30. He won the same event in Singapore in 2015 Biennial meet.
The Philippine triathletes also held inside this Freeport in their previous trainings where an Olympic-size pool was used in the run bike swim race, manifesting their support and faith in Clark.