Cebu’s ace triathlete Kim Remolino sets higher goal for Vietnam SEAG

CEBU, Philippines —  Andrew Kim Remolino, one of the country’s top triathletes, got an added reason to rev up his training amid the pandemic after triathlon and three other sports have been added to the calendar of the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next year.

Initially, triathlon was stricken off the list of events in the biennial athletic meet but upon the request of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by its president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the Vietnam SEA Games Organizing Committee eventually gave its thumbs up for the inclusion of the popular three-in-one sport as well as jiu-jitsu, bowling, and Esports in the Hanoi Games.

The news came like music to the ears of the Talisay City-native Remolino.

“I am super thankful especially that we dominated this sport in the last few SEA Games,” said Remolino. “Also, this will give us triathletes another opportunity to showcase our sport and talent.”

Since the province of Cebu has been classified into the more relaxed MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), Remolino said he and his fellow triathletes have already started their training outdoors, albeit in limited conditions and resources.

“We are training outside again because we already got a special permit from the (Talisay) city hall, so we’re basically almost back to our normal routines except that we still cannot access some sports facilities like the Cebu City Sports Center to use the pool and the oval,” Remolino said.

During last year’s 30th SEA Games hosted by the country, Remolino settled for silver medal after placing second to compatriot John Leerams Chicano in the men’s division. It was actually a clean sweep by Team Phl, with Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe posting a 1-2 finish in the distaff side.

Following his remarkable performance in his first major international competition, there’s seemingly no way but up for the 20-year-old Remolino.

And this early, Remolino trains his sights on a loftier goal of turning his prized silver medal into gold in his next SEAG journey.

“Hopefully, I can qualify again for the next SEA Games in Vietnam both for individual and relay categories and get the gold medal,” ended Remolino.