Huelgas, Salandanan make waves in Alabang aquathlon

MANILA, Philippines - A pair of teeners showed their stuff against elder rivals as they ruled yesterday’s second leg of the 2009 Speedo Aquathlon Series at the Narra Park in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Nikko Bryan Huelgas, 17, proved his victory in the first leg of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and presented by SPEEDO last February 1 was no fluke as he again dominated the 750m swim and 3.4 kilometer run.

A marketing sophomore of La Salle, Huelgas finished a close third in the swim event before stamping his class in the run event to bag his second victory in three aquathlon races this year.

After topping the first leg held at Ultra in Pasig City, Huelgas finished a strong second in the Ateneo Aquathlon held last month.

“Like in my past aquathlon events, I really did my best again today and I’m happy to have won again in this race,” said Huelgas, who was timed at 25 minutes, 45 seconds of splits of 11:07 and 14:38.

Placing second was 28-year old Diego Carballo in 27:12 while veteran triathlete Tony Welsh took third in 28:30. Finishing fourth was Nonoy Basa (29:27), while Javier Olives took fifth (30:35).

Cassandra Salandanan, 16, displayed her strength in the swim but needed a big windup in the run to spoil the strong challenge of Natalia Uy.

An incoming third year high school student at La Salle Zobel, Salandanan clocked 57:10, 10 seconds faster than Uy (57:20).

Third placer in the women’s division in the race also supported by Ayala Alabang Village Association, Gatorade, David’s Solon, Asian Centre for Insulation, Philippine Sports Commission and Sunkist Vitwater, was Geraldine Bernardo in 1:04:31.

Eunice Bernadine Oquialda (1:07:35) and Ciara Trinidad (1:07:36) completed the top five finishers.

The event drew 170 participants, including competitors in the Super Kids aquathlon and in the side event triathlon.

The top three finishers received medals from TRAP while the champions took home gift certificates from SPEEDO.

Age group winners in super kids aquathlon were Luigi Crisostomo (8-below), Juan Samundio (9-10) and Davide Anese (13-15) in the boys.