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Philippine triathletes win medals in the 2022 SEA Games 

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<p>Keeping the winning streak going, the Philippine triathlete team were successful in bringing home both gold and silver medals in the individual men’s and women’s divisions.  </p><p>“We are race-ready,” declared Coach Joana Remolino before the team flew off to Vietnam. Coach Joanna is one of the two coaches who prepared the Philippine team for the triathlon competition in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games.  </p><p>Her co-coach and father, Coach Roland “Andoy” Remolino echoed her sentiment.  </p><p>“We are good, everything is fine, and we are ready to race,” Coach Andoy assured everyone.  </p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Philippine triathletes win medals SEA Games" src="https://aa1a-dctp-s3-entertainment.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/updates/entertainment/2022/05/18/triathletes-1.jpg"/></div><div> </div><p>From the get-go, the father-daughter coaching team was confident that their team was ready and was optimistic in getting both gold and silver medals in the grueling competition. True enough, their belief was realized when the Philippines won the gold in both men and women divisions.  </p><p>Kim Mangrobang won the gold in the individual women’s triathlon. Meanwhile, Fernando Jose Casares bagged the gold in the individual men’s division, followed by Andrew Kim Remolino who won silver.  </p><p>Triathletes are expected to compete in three sports: biking, swimming, and running. They are expected not only to excel in all three, but to keep their stamina up all throughout.  </p><p>The pandemic’s restrictions pushed the team to be more flexible in looking for alternative ways to train. They had to work around venue limitations. Coach Joana and Coach Andoy looked back at the challenges they had to go through to get to this point.  </p><p>“We dealt with it positively,” shared Coach Joana. “We trained even on a limited resources. We found our own ways, where and how to train.” </p><p>Despite these obstacles, the coaches chose to focus of what was possible.  </p><p>“We tried our best to keep in perfect condition,” said Coach Andoy. “We tried to find ways like running on the road, swimming in open water, and biking indoors just to keep going.” </p><p>Both of them believe in not being held back by limitations.  </p><p>“As a coach, my philosophy is no limits,” shared Coach Andoy. “Kung kaya nila, kaya natin!” </p><p>His daughter shares the same philosophy.  </p><p>“I believe that if there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Coach Joana.  “Whatever adversities come our way; we just have to choose to move forward.” </p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Philippine triathletes win medals SEA Games" src="https://aa1a-dctp-s3-entertainment.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/updates/entertainment/2022/05/18/triathletes-2.jpg"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Philippine triathletes win medals SEA Games" src="https://aa1a-dctp-s3-entertainment.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/updates/entertainment/2022/05/18/triathletes-3.jpg"/></div><div> </div><p>One big push that kept them moving forward was the all-put support from the Go for Gold program. Since 2017, this sports program by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office have been consistent in supporting the needs of Filipino athletes. With the added challenge of the pandemic, their support has been invaluable to coaches and athletes alike.  </p><p>“Go for Gold was the biggest factor of our success,” admitted Coach Andoy. “They support our daily training, provide us allowances, training, gadgets, and moral support.” </p><p>Coach Joana likewise credited the Go for Gold program for making winning a real possibility. </p><p>“Our Go for Gold family has been very supportive all the way, in all ways,” declared Coach Joana. “They make the impossible, possible. Without them things won’t happen. They’ve been with us, from nothing to winning.” </p><p>Representing the Philippines in the triathlon are Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Alcoseba, among others.  </p><p>“My greatest motivation is to be able to go outside that box that limits me,” stated Raven. “This box contains words that I would use to describe myself negatively, and I want to be able to prove that I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it.” </p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Philippine triathletes win medals SEA Games" src="https://aa1a-dctp-s3-entertainment.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/updates/entertainment/2022/05/18/triathletes-4.jpg"/></div><div> </div><p>On a personal note, Kim brought with him the memory of his elder brother, Kuya John, who passed away a few years back. He, along with his family, motivated him to push forward come what may.  </p><p>The Philippines was able to bag gold and silver medals in the last two Southeast Asian Games, and these triathletes remained focused on doing that for the third year in a row.  </p><p>“It is my main goal to achieve another medal for the country,” said Kim, keeping in mind the medals won in previous years. “It would be very disappointing for me if I were to break that streak.” </p><p>Aside from this, he also wants to serve as an inspiration to other athletes. “I want to prove to everyone that even though you are not the richest person or the most talented one, you can still grab that medal as long as you have the drive to work and achieve it,” Kim added. </p><p>His hard work paid off, with him placing second and bringing home the silver medal.  </p><p>Both Kim and Raven prepared themselves for the competition, both physically and mentally.  </p><p>“I think what really separates us athletes from one another is the way we prepare mentally,” shared Kim. “I usually do that by mind setting or plating scenarios on my head and simulating what might happen in a race.” </p><p>Not only do they have to have the stamina to keep moving forward, but they also have to have a winning mindset.  </p><p>“This race is all about who wants it most,” said Raven. “This only means that mental toughness will play a huge role with regards to training.” </p><p>“It has been a habit of mine to visualize what I want to happen,” he added. “By weighing out the possible outcomes that might happen during the race and what I would do about it.” </p><p>Raven and Kim also gave credit to the Go for Gold team in supporting them in their journey. Beyond the material and financial support, they also appreciated the hope and possibility that came along with it.  </p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Philippine triathletes win medals SEA Games" src="https://aa1a-dctp-s3-entertainment.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/updates/entertainment/2022/05/18/triathletes-5.jpg"/></div><div> </div><p>“They didn&#x27;t just give some stuff like providing a bike or a helmet,” clarified Kim. “They&#x27;ve given me hope in working towards my goal because I finally realized that even our small victories can be recognized.” </p><p>Raven felt that everyone was on the same page, all single-minded to support each other in their goal to win.  </p><p>“I am a firm believer that the key to success is by surrounding yourself with people who motivate, challenge, and have the same goals as you,” said Raven. “This is what I have in the Go for Gold squad.” </p><p>Be part of the team behind our Philippine athletes, for the SEA Games and beyond! Purchase Go for Gold tickets for just Php 20 in any PCSO lotto outlet. Your contribution supports Filipino athletes and gives you a chance to win Php 200,000 too! </p>