New Philippine triathlon leadership seeks continuity

MANILA, Philippines – A new leadership and a new brand for the country’s triathlon federation.

Ramon Marchan vowed to continue and enhance the programs and projects of his predecessor Tom Carrasco following his ascension as the new president of the rebranded Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), now known by its new name Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil).

“Ang sa amin we’ll just keep on doing it. Tuloy lang natin. We have programs na nandiyan, na kailangan lang ng enhancement,” said Marchan in his first appearance as triathlon chief during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Elected last August, Marchan said among the programs he’s looking to boost and develop are the athletes’ selection through ranking points, grassroots development programs and expansion of athletes’ base, as well as talent identification undertaking.

“Tough act to follow si Tom Carrasco na icon at legend ng Triathlon Philippines. Pero ang gagawin natin dito is magkaroon ng continuation, magkaroon ng kaunting enhancement. Pero ang talaga mga bida rito ay yung ating mga atleta,” he added.

Also appearing in the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) were secretary general Sarita Zafra, U-23 elite athlete Erika Nicole Burgos, treasurer Ting Joson, medical delegate Dr. Iby Bautista, and the core group of Edgar Nicolas, Pet Salvador and Lala Cuoz.

Its biggest project to date is the hosting of the Asian Duathlon Championships next week at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on November 26.

At least 10 elite men from Australia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia, and seven elite women have so far been confirmed of seeing action in the prestigious meet.

“Aabot siguro ito ng 50 ang elite men and women,” said Marchan.

With no Filipino triathletes qualified in the 2024 Paris Olympics, TriPhil is concentrating as early as today on future major international meets such as the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and eventually culminating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“This is the