Triathlon chief sees four SEAG golds

MANILA, Philippines -  Triathlon association president Tom Carrasco is positive his in-form wards can complete another golden double in the swim-bike-run hostilities of the Southeast Asian Games.

Nikko Huelgas and Claire Adorna, champions of the previous edition, and teammates Rambo Chicano and Kim Mangrobang, both legit title contenders, give Carrasco much confidence in the hostilities that start Aug. 21 at Water Sports Complex.

“I’m expecting both (men’s and women’s gold medals),” said Carrasco.

“Wag lang madidisgrasya. Kumbaga sa boxing, wag lang mala-lucky punch. Otherwise, maganda ang chances natin na makakuha ng dalawang gintong medalya (Barring any unfortunate disaster or what they call in boxing a ‘lucky punch’, we have great chances to sweep the golds again).”

Huelgas came off a fine performance in last month’s ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships in Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang, Indonesia, where he clocked two hours, 50 seconds –  five minutes better than his potential SEA Games foes Jauhari Johan (2:05:35) and Muhammad Ahlul Firman (2:05:57).  

For her part, Adorna is fresh from a month-long training in Phuket, Thailand. Although a mild hamstring injury limited her performance in the Asian met, coach Melvin Fausto assured Adorna will be in fighting form in the SEAG.

Equally capable to contending for the mints are Chicano and Mangrobang.

Silver medalist in the Singapore SEAG, Mangrobang showed great improvement in training under Portuguese coach Sergio Santos in Portugal and proved it with her 19th place in the 2017 Tiszaujvaros International Triathlon Union World Cup in Hungary.