Behind every Ironkid, is a doting parent
The junior triathletes are the future of triathlon. But before they get to the top they need to start from the bottom with the help of a rigid training regimen and most importantly, the undying support of their parents.
Over 360 up-and-coming triathletes will join the 2017 Alaska Ironkids Philippines today at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. The kids will compete in various age groups—the boys’ and girls’ 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14.
The younger participants will join the Category 1 (short) and Category 2 (long) races.
Among the parents who will be waiting at the finish line are lawyer Ramsey Quijano and businessman Fritz Erediano.
Erediano, the father of Frances Moira, the silver medalist in the girls’ 11-12 last year, has been in all of the races of his daughter since 2014.
Quijano, a triathlete, described that it’s his greatest happiness watching his daughter, Yanna, take up the same sport as him.
“It’s very thrilling to wait at the finish line. In all her races, I just pray that she’s safe. It makes me very happy when I see her approaching the finish line. It makes me happier when she comes first,” said the older Erediano.
“The greatest happiness is watching my daughter race where you have nothing more to contribute but cheers and tears of joy,” said Quijano.
Yanna, a sixth grader at St. Ben- edict Childhood Education Centre, has been doing triathlon for about two years and will be competing in the girls’ 11-12 class.
For Erediano, being a tri-kid’s father is challenging but it makes him happy seeing his child taking those achievements one step at a time.
It’s difficult to sit back and relax. Like most, if not all parents, I feel the pressure like I’m racing myself. But in a good way because I can see her do something extraordinary RAMSEY QUIJANO Doting dad
“A lot of my time and effort are devoted to her training. A few adjustments are made in our daily routine as working parents,” said Erediano.
For Quijano, the parenting aspect in sports is simply by example.
“My wife Renee and I have been running marathons and doing triathlon for already nine years. Our daughter grew up watching us train and race. We also brought her to our races here and abroad,” said Quijano.
“When I asked if she was interested to do triathlon, she did not hesitate. It is not difficult supporting her because as much as possible we train together. But she has a coach. I don’t believe in coaching my own child. I want her to learn from those who are experts in the field. I just help in her nutrition,” he added.
Quijano said that it’s up to his daughter to decide to pursue the sport or not and he’s always there to support her decision.
“So long as she still enjoys it, I’m cool with that,” he said.
Fritz said he has set up a reward system for his daughter every time she has a job well done.
“We treat her to a restaurant of her choice after every competion or even a simple movie date with the family whether she wins or loses. We made sure her trainings are fun that is why we let her join a team where athletes are treated as family so that she will look forward to every opportunity to train,” said Fritz.