Olmilla hopes to make amends in Powerman

CEBUANO duathlete Joland Olmilla has had a clearly successful season so far after winning the Consolacion Mountainbike Duathlon, the Tayud Duathlon and most notably his first triathlon title last April in the Baybay 8080 Triathlon in Leyte.

But the Cabancalan, Mandaue City native is still in pain for last year’s Powerman Duathlon Asian Championships in which he finished in 11th place in the elite long distance competition, which isn’t bad either.

Apparently, Olmilla competed in a category he wasn’t prepared to join since he originally signed up for the shorter distance.

“Last year, I was registered in the short distance but I was shocked when I got my race number, I was transferred to long distance since no national team members are allowed to compete in the short distance,” Olmilla recalled.

Despite of it, Olmilla is eager to bounce back this year as he takes part in the elite long distance of the upcoming Powerman Philippines Asian Championships on October 8 in Clark, Pampanga.

The 24-year old national team member told Cebu Daily News that he has already started his rigid training since last month as he looks to put everything on the line this year since the race will also serve as a qualifier for the 2019 Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.

“I already started last month because I plan to have a three-month preparation for the race,” Olmilla shared.

Although his mind is still replaying the heartbreaking turnout last year, Olmilla is positive that he can perform well this year since he’s already certain what category he will be joining in come race day.

“At least right now, I already know what category I am in. So, even though the race is still a few months away, I’m already preparing for it. I will double my efforts in bike and running so that I can have a good finish,” Olmilla closed.