Triathletes save day
Huelgas, Mangrobang clinch golds
TRIATHLETES Nikko Bryan Huelgas and Marion Kim Mangrobang saved the day for Team Philippines, sweeping the men's and women's triathlon gold medals, respectively, yesterday morning at the Water Sports Complex in Putrajaya, Malaysi after compatriot Mary Joy Tabal annexed the country's first gold in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Saturday.
Huelgas defended his title after clocking one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds to rule the men's event over teammate John Chicano (2:01:27) who settled for the silver medal.
Singapore's Sheng Ren Chow salvaged the bronze with a time of 2:03:24.
Huelgas also improved his 2:04:32 record in the 28th SEA Games held in Singapore in 2015.
In the distaff side, Mangrobang registered 2:11:14 to improve her 2015 silver finish and upset her teammate 2015 champion Claire Adorna who finished in 2:18:58 while a Malaysian entry (2:25:44) ended up with the bronze.
On her Facebook page, Mangrobang posted: "This is it! We got the 3rd gold for the country! Marami pong salamat sa inyong suporta at dasal."
She also congratulated her teammates Huelgas, Chicano and Adorna for the sterling similar 1-2 finishes in both men's and women's events.
Meanwhile, Malacañang praised the perseverance of the Filipino athletes for Monday's medal harvest, particularly in triathlon.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government was elated by the athletes' dedication to bring honor to the country that already has three gold medals, four silvers and four bronzes as of yesterday presstime.
“The week starts with a good harvest of medals for the Philippines,” Abella said in a statement as he cited Huelgas, Mangrobang, Chicano and Adorna. WITH RUTH ABBEY GITA/SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES