Homegrown multi-sport athlete Maynard Pecson conti-nues to collect medals when he topped the professional Asian elite category in the 2023 Professional Triathlon Organization (PTO) Asia Open Duathlon slated at Marina Bay, Singapore on Aug. 20.
Pecson led the event and shared the podium with teammates Raymund Torio of Pangasinan winning silver and John Patrick Ciron of Iriga City winning the bronze medal.
The Baguio boy is a member of the grassroots multi-sports group Baguio Benguet Triathlon team led by coaches Jet and Lou Ann Ramos. Lou Ann also coaches the Philippine triathlon team that has been developing top multi-sports athletes in the country.
Other members of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) Jena Valdez and Sophia Capistrano finished first and second in the standard distance category duathlon; Merry Joy Trupa finished second in the standard distance duathlon, and Bea Quiambao finished first in the 16 to 29 age group long distance.
The Philippine team was assisted by team manager Nikko Huelgas, coaches Melvin Fausto, George Vilog, and Jeffrey Valdez.
Pecson won the standard duathlon category of the TriFactor Singapore 2023 on July 30 where he finished in one hour, 56 minutes, and 19 seconds topping all 26 athletes during the event.
Meanwhile, TRAP is now under new president Ramon Marchan as founding head Tom Carrasco exits after more than 20 years.
Carrasco will remain a member of the board of directors along with Lou Ann Ramos and former SEA Games triathlon champion Huelgas. – Ofelia C. Empian
