Noy Jopson: The First Filipino Cobra Ironman

MANILA, Philippines - For Noy Jopson, being the first ever Filipino to hold a Cobra Ironman title and the current Filipino Elite Champion of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines is no mean feat. But despite these accomplishments, the premiere triathlete is not yet done with the sport. He is one of the Philippines’ foremost triathletes and winner of two other prestigious triathlon titles, namely, the Asian Cup Junior in 1995 as a bronze and silver medalist at the Asian Championships and the Philipine Enduraman Champion.

Noy has been a triathlete for most of his life and he remains passionate and excited as ever about the sport. He is now working hard and zealously training for this year’s Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines CamSur event.

The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines CamSur race series consists of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run. It is the ultimate test of fitness, endurance, perseverance and determination. The original Cobra Ironman is held in conditions which are uniquely punishing for endurance racing: for swimming, buoyant wetsuits are not allowed; the cycling hills are normally crossed by strong and gusting winds; and the marathon leg of the race is extremely hot. Anyone who completes one of these races within the time limit, so long as it is the prescribed distance, is entitled to call himself a Cobra Ironman.

For triathletes like Noy, having the privilege of calling yourself a Cobra Ironman, is the highest achievement one can achieve in the sport. According to him, “Even if I never win another race again in my life, I’d still be happy with what I’ve accomplished in the sport because I can call myself a Cobra Ironman”.

Noy’s passion for sports started at a very young age. Coming from a family of famous political activists, he chose to follow his own interests and pursued his love for running. At 19, he was already an Asian Junior Champ. At this young age, he was also joining and winning competitions internationally during the height of triathlons in the 1990s. He then became a 3- time RP National Champ and an RP record Holder for Olympic Distance (2:01:04). Ranked 120th in the world for his triathlon records, Noy Jopson continues to excel and do his best in this field of sport.

He became less active in the sport and maintained a lower profile when he started to raise a family and work on some business ventures. It wasn’t long, however, till the sports bug bit him hard again.

The idea and thrill of competing in the Philippines’ first official Cobra Ironman 70.3 competition last year was just too good to pass up. Despite the challenges and intimidating presence of strong foreign athletes in the triathlon field, Noy made the Filipino athletes proud. Ranked as the first among the Filipino triathletes who joined the competition, Noy emerged as one of the competition’s best, strongest and fastest.

This only proves that more than just muscles, size and height advantage, it also takes courage, inner strength, will and sheer determination to sustain an athlete. Noy’s story shows that strong will, courage and determination are just as important as talent and skill in winning any competition.

It certainly takes a lot to be a Cobra Ironman — discipline, determination and perseverance are essential to call yourself one. Competing in this tough and grueling sport requires as much strength of character as skill and talent. So if you have what it takes, now is the time to accept the challenge!

On August 22, 2010, be at the CamSur Watersports Complex to take part and witness the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines CamSur. 

As the official presentor of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines CamSur for the second consecutive year, Cobra Energy Drink further cements its number 1 standing and position as a brand that fully gives its support to sports and activities that promote the values of perseverance, discipline, determination and strength of character. For more information on the event, visit www.ironman703phil.com.