Triathletes rarin’ to show stuff

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT–Philippine bets Alessandra Araullo and Ani Karina de Leon are up and ready to challenge the best triathletes from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar at the start of the triathlon competitions this Thursday here.

The 30-year-old Araullo is a top favorite to win the gold mainly because of her best time 2:17.04 she registered in the SEA Games triathlon test race.

Araullo is facing a big challenge from Kimberly Yap Fui Li of Malaysia, whose personal best is 2:18.22.

"Our goal is to win the gold for the country. We will do our very best to win to give our countrymen something to cheer for," said Araullo.

Araullo and de Leon will be supported by Mimi Lucas.

On Friday, Noel Salvador and Arlan Macasieb will see action in the men’s division. Mikki Quilala serves as backup man for Salvador and Macasieb.

Events to be held for both men and women are 1.5k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run.

The Philippine team is favored to win mainly because of their commanding familiarity to the route inside the former US naval base. — Bebot Sison

The team owe their positive outlook and confidence from the two months worth of rigorous training they had in Newcastle, Australia where they trained under coach Col Stewart, father of 1992 world triathlon champion Miles Stewart.

Triathlon will be played for the first time in the SEA Games, although the sport is a regular feature in the Olympics.-Bebot Sison Jr.

NOTE: Archery news update will be filed the after event - Bebot Sison Jr.