Philippine triathlon member Josh Ramos placed fifth overall in the recent Ironman 70.3 in Arizona, making him the only member of the national squad to see action in the United States.
The 19-year-old Ramos finished the grueling race in four hours, 31 minutes and 24 seconds, or just 19 minutes shy from first placer Branden Scheel of the U.S. who clocked at 4:12:49.
Juan Ibanez of Argentina placed second at 4:21:46 followed by Americans Arthur Benson and Austin Wheat, who clocked at 4:22:42 and 4:23:27, respectively.
Ramos, who also placed second in the 18 to 24 age group male, edged out 103 other participants in the competition, which earned him a spot for the 2022 Ironman World Championship set in Hawaii.
“This is four months in the making and a long road ahead. Thank you to all the people supporting us,” said Jet Ramos, who acts as chief trainer for his family, who are all competing in national and international triathlon events.
Ramos matriarch, Lou Ann, also raced with her son during the Ironman Arizona and finished the race at 6:13:04.
Earlier, Jet, Lou, and Josh carried the country’s flag in the world stage as they conquered the 70.3 Ironman World Championship in St. George, Utah, U.S.A on Sept. 18.
Despite the combination of hail, wind, rain, and heat during the competition, the family powered through with Jet crossing the finish line at 4:55:47 while Josh clocked at 5:10:25.
Lou Ann, meanwhile, crossed the finish line at 6:57:25.
Two other members of the Ramos family, Dash, 15, and Arrow, 13, did not join the Ironman race but were part of the family’s trainings overseas. – Ofelia C. Empian
