LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Philippines – Sisters Tara and Sam Borlain completed a 1-2 finish in the girls (9-10 years old) division to highlight the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon that started and ended at the posh Shangri-La Mactan Resorts and Spa grounds here yesterday.
Tara checked in first at 16 minutes and 48.9 seconds, raised her hands and blew kisses to the delight of the appreciative weekend crowd that watched the third staging of the annual event.
It was Tara’s 13th victory since taking up the sport at age six after convincing his father, 2006 Mr. Universe and former San Miguel strength and conditioning coach Ringo Borlain, to train her.
“I like competing, I like running the most because I feel like I’m flying,” said Tara.
Tara’s elder sister, 10-year-old Sam, came in seconds later in 17:16.1 but said she’s happy to cheer for her sister. Everly Macalalad of Tunasan, Muntinlupa wound up third in 18:06.6.
“While Tara’s dream from the start is to make it to the Olympics, Sam is just contented finishing second behind her sister and cheer and support her,” said Ringo Borlain, a former triathlete before turning to bodybuilding.
Juris Aaron Earl Tan, trained by his lawyer-father Earl, reigned supreme in the boys’ side in 17:18.9, beating George Leather and Luigi Miguel Crisostomo, who timed in 17:55.4 and 18.03.8, respectively.
Other winners were Eric Almendral and Syrah Ruth Uy (boys and girls for six to eight years old), Yuan Chiongbian and Lauren Justine Plaza (boys and girls for 11-12 years old) and Mark Gregory Pile and Victoria Deldio (boys and girls for 13-14 years old).
For the 11-year-old Plaza, it was her second title while Pile, 14, notched his fourth title.
“I’ve won seven medals and this is my second gold so I’m just happy right now,” said Plaza, a Grade Five student at Colegio de San Agustin.