By Jean Malanum
OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales – Filipino Darell Johnson Bada captured the men’s junior elite title at the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay here Sunday.
Bada clocked 1 hour, 1 minute and 45 seconds to beat Japan’s Main Takata (1:02:10) and compatriot John Michael Lalimos (1:02:26).
He credited his victory to a strong breakaway during the run after a tough swim and bike leg.
“I really wanted to win so I did my best. The swim was very hard, the bike was challenging. I broke away early in the running stage,” Bada, who finished third last year with a time of 1:03:22, said.
Euan Arrow Ramos, the Under-15 super sprint champion last year, settled for eighth place in 1:07:38.
Despite dropping one of his shoes after the swim phase, he still managed to dominate the bike phase. But he ran out of energy in the run stage.
In the women’s junior elite, Japan’s Yukiho Okuma ruled with a time of 1:08:13, ahead of Filipinos Anisha Eunice Caluya (1:11:18) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:12:17).
Meanwhile, national athlete Kira Ellis did not finish the race due to a shin injury, withdrawing after the bike leg on the advice of her coaches and therapist.
In the sprint age-group race, Dustine Dan Eslay of 2600 Tri Team North Pine Aquatics won the men’s 16-19 division with a time of 1:07:24 in his triathlon debut.
A Grade 12 student from University of Baguio, Eslay said he looks forward to joining more competitions in the future.
Other winners included Andie Jimeno (18-24), Rafael Sawali (25-29), Tristan Rene Santos (30-34), Mike Kramer (35-39), Craig Douglas (40-44), Marvin Baldemor (45-49), Junrox Roque (50-54), JT Gonzales (55-59), and Cristobal Olivas (60-over) in the men’s standard age group.
Para triathlon champions in the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission were Edison Badillo (PTS2), Raul Angoluan (PTS3), Alex Silverio (PTS4), Jerome Nelmida and Shyrnel Amiladjid (PTVI), and Steven and Audrey Coleman (special category). (PNA)
