Nicole Eijansantos, who finished first overall in the 13 to 14-years-old girls’ division, gets a loving pat on the face, then a kiss from her mother after crossing the finish line. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Defending champion Nicole Danielle Eijansantos of Quezon City was once again the fastest girl in the Alaska IronKids 13 to 14-years-old category.
With her second win behind her, Nicole is setting a higher goal for herself – the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.
“Gusto ko ako yong mag represent sa YOG (I want to represent my country in the YOG),” she said.
Her finish time was 47 minutes and 2.1 seconds. (Swimming 7:72; biking in 24:12; and running segment at 14:59.)
Nicole’s advice to first-time triathletes: Work hard to achieve your goals.
“Hindi ko sinasabi na madali ito kasi nahihirapan talaga ako. Pag gusto mo yung isang bagay alam kong gagawin mo ang lahat para magawa mo siya (I won’t say this is easy because it was tough for me. But if you really love something you will do everything to get it),” she said.
“Intense training talaga kasi na may mga panahong gusto mo nang umayaw pero mayroon kang goal so hindi ka talaga hihinto (The training was intense. There was a time I wanted to stop but since I have a goal, I won’t quit), she said.
Nicole Eijansantos gets a kiss from her mother. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Kevin, her brother and coach, said their effort to train and compete is geared for races around the Philippines and later abroad.
“We want to take this big race every year as a stepping stone,” he said.
To prepare for the IronKids triathlon, the elder sibling said he keeps a close eye on Nicole’s activities.
“When she needs to sleep early, I am very strict. Since I’m her brother, I know when she’s lazy, she’s tired or she really needs rest,” he said.
Nicole had a target running time for yesterday’s race, which wasn’t quite met but “since she bagged first place it’s enough reason to celebrate,” said her brother. /UP Cebu intern Mary Claire U. Catado and Juli Sibi