Nick Baldwin vows to defend full Ironman title

MANILA, Philippines — If ever Century Tuna holds a follow-up to its historic full Ironman Philippines staging at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Sunday, triathlon fans may expect champion Nick Baldwin of Seychelles to be gunning for a repeat.

“It’s been an amazing event, really great for a first-year event. Triathlon in the Philippines is world-renowned for being exceptional so to be the first winner here is really cool for me and I hope to come back here in the future one day,” said Baldwin.

He made good use of his run-centric preparations early in the year to thwart strong-running Cameron Brown of New Zealand in the last phase of the punishing 3.8K swim, 180K bike and 42K run race and claim the coveted honors and the bragging rights as the first full Ironman Philippines champion.

Wilfred Uytengsu, founder of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. admitted to being overwhelmed with the call for a repeat of the full-distance race, and though there are no specific plans at the moment, they are open to the possibility.

“We really had the expectations of doing this as a one and only, once in a lifetime opportunity. I am overwhelmed with the groundswell of interest to do this again. It was tremendous work to put on an event like it. We’ll keep an open mind,” said Uytengsu.

“Not (in the timetable) at the moment. I think we just need to see what went on. We look at always doing a better job the next time around. I have to say we’ll consider it,” added Uytengsu.