Pinoy triathlete qualifies for Youth Olympic Games

MANILA, Philippines – Vicky Deldio booked a berth in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games set Aug. 16-28 in Nanjing, China after clinching one of the allotted spots in the triathlon qualifying race in Burubay, Kazakhstan over the weekend.

Deldio came back from as far as 12th place after the swim leg by finishing strongly in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and five-km run race and clinch a spot in Nanjing with a clocking of one hour, 11 minutes and 30 seconds.

The Olongapo City-based Deldio's actually finished ninth but rules set by the International Triathlong Union for the YOG qualifier states that only one triathlete per country can qualify for the event.

Korea, Japan and China each had two bets who finished ahead of Deldio.

Deldio's qualification was historic since she will be the first ever Filipino to qualify in either the Olympics and the YOG.

The Phl also fielded in Justin Chiongbian and Jose Nobles IV in the boy's section but both missed the cut.

“I am truly proud of the young team we sent to Kazakhstan YOG qualifying," said triathlon chief and Phl Olympic Committee chair Tom Carrasco, Jr.

Deldio joined Kobe Paras, who will play in 3x3 basketball, two archers and a gymnast in the event that has calendared 222 events and drew participation from 155 countries, including a 142-strong Chinese team.