Nyza Archival
An iron kid with iron strength.
That’s what best describes 14-year-old Nyza Archival, daughter of the late Cebuano lawyer Noel Archival, after finishing the Alaska Ironkids in an hour and 18 minutes last Saturday at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.
She said what helped her to the finish line was the memory of her father and how proud he was when she crossed the finish line doing her signature cartwheel.
“I miss my father,” she said. “But he helps me more now because I am motivated to be better for him. He was a great father who always encouraged us.”
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Noel Archival, who handled high-profile criminal cases, was ambushed together with his aide and driver in Dalaguete, Cebu in February of 2014.
“My family held it together for so long. But me, I let my anger out through training. And it helps me as I continue to move on,” she said.
Nyza said since that time, she hasn’t forgotten what her dad has done for her in her bid to become a triathlete.
“I remember my dad’s reaction. He didn’t want me to join. He was scared for me. Then he saw that I seemed to really enjoy, and so he gave in,” she said.
Nyza began training for fun after watching Cobra Ironman 70.3 in the year 2013. She was mesmerized by the intense dedication of the athletes.
She said her dad was with her when she bought her first bicycle, when she went to her first training, and that he was very supportive of her efforts.
She recalls her first race, and seeing her family at the finish line, rooting for her.
Nyza also said triathlon was what brought her closer to her younger siblings, Nyka and Nyko. All three of them completed the Ironkids./ Juli Ann M. Sibi, UP Cebu Intern
MORE IRONMAN 70.3 FEATURES, PHOTOS HERE
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