‘Go for it’ Forging world-class Oragon Triathletes
CURT JAIRUS PEREZ THE PHILIPPINES IS known in the field of sports as a country with a deep love for basketball and boxing, so much so that the country stops and Filipinos stay at home just to watch Gilas Pilipinas or Manny Pacquiao represent the country on the world stage. However, a new sport in the country is gradually growing in number of athletes - Triathlon. It is a multisport race consisting of biking, swimming, and running over various distances. And one triathlon team based in Naga City is forging future triathletes that could represent the country. Ironhead is a triathlon team based in Naga City that trains aspiring youths and sports enthusiasts to become triathletes. Its founder Benjamin Rana also serves as the team captain and coach. Rana has been in the triathlon world for a decade now and in those years he has trained the Filipino youth. He is a professional athlete that has competed in different triathlon competitions, but one of his unforgettable memories was when he qualified to race in the prestigious Ironman Triathlon held in Hawaii. “It was a dream come true for me to race in that prestigious event and meet different
professional triathletes in the world of triathlon,” Rana reminisced. In the existence of Ironhead, organizations such as 94Cycle & Multisports of Jun Bongao have constantly supported and nourished the team. With this great bond and pact, the two organizations envision building world-class triathletes native to Camarines Sur, that could represent the country in the world. Adrianjames Mancera or “Boi Wasak”, as his team often calls him, is a member of the team studying at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC). Initially a cyclist, Mancera decided to go further and try a triathlon. According to him, the sport had made him realize that anything can be achieved with effort, perseverance, motivation, and consistency. Another member of the team is Harry Luns, who used to study at UNC. Unlike Mancera, Luns and Rana were already friends so he was influenced to try Triathlon. He admitted that he became physically and mentally stronger, pointing out that the sheer will and motivation needed for the sport led to the results. Ironhead usually trains as a team during weekends to avoid conflict of schedule with academics and work of the members. However, it is up to the members, if they want to train individually on weekdays or with other members. According to Luns, they generally cover distances up to 120 km in their training. For those willing to give a shot at triathlon, Coach Rana has one clear message: try and strive. “All I can say is go for it. Continue to pursue
your dreams of being an athlete. Because it can help us to develop ourselves to grow more as a better individual not only in sports but as a better person. Make this triathlon as a weapon to strive more in life to overcome any hindrances to make your personality strong and become the pride of every individual,” Rana encouraged. Meanwhile, Mancera also highlighted the significance of studying while training. “Train hard, always do your best, but always put your studies as a priority,” Mancera reminded. Ironhead currently has 67 members, consisting of boys and girls, according to a member of the team. The future of Philippine sports is in great hands and has a bright future due to individuals willing to sacrifice their time and energy in advancing their beloved sport. However, this bright future would not come to reality if Filipinos would not notice these sports and continue to doubt the process. What Filipinos should do is to equally support different sports and trust the process.
