The Philippine triathlon team stamped its authority at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday, sweeping all three relay gold medals at Leam Mae Phim Beach in Rayong, Thailand. The Filipinos ruled the women’s, men’s, and mixed relay races in a statement showing of depth and strategy.

The gold sweep marked one of the country’s strongest triathlon performances in SEA Games history, coming a day after Indonesia dominated the aquathlon team events. Philippine officials responded with calculated adjustments that paid immediate dividends.

Kira Ellis and Raven Alcoseba emerged as the day’s biggest winners, each claiming two gold medals after starring in both the women’s team relay and the mixed team relay events. Their performances anchored the Philippines’ charge to the top of the podium.

Defending individual champion Fer Casares also delivered a double-gold outing, powering the Philippines to victories in the men’s team relay and the mixed relay. His composure under pressure proved decisive in both races.

Calculated switch sparks first gold

A late lineup change set the tone for the Philippines’ golden run in the women’s team relay, as officials opted to insert Ellis into the opening leg. The move followed Indonesia’s sweep of aquathlon events and was designed to create an early advantage.

Ellis teamed up with Alcoseba and Kim Mangrobang to complete the 300-meter swim, 8-kilometer bike, and 2-kilometer run in 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 14 seconds. The result delivered the country’s first triathlon gold of the day.

Ellis said the decision was strategic, aimed at building a gap early and maintaining control throughout the race. The plan worked as the Filipinos led from start to finish.

Penalty can’t stop mixed relay gold

Momentum carried into the men’s team relay, where Casares joined Matthew Hermosa and Inaki Lorbes to clock 1:04:05. The Philippine trio finished 10 seconds ahead of Indonesia to secure another gold.

The mixed team relay provided the most drama of the day, with extreme heat and a 10-second penalty threatening the Philippines’ bid. Casares, serving as anchor, was penalized during the swim-to-bike transition.

Despite the setback, Casares erased the deficit with a powerful bike and run leg to pull the Philippines to victory. The team won by four seconds with a finishing time of 1:30:31, completing the clean sweep.

Ellis admitted the final moments were tense but said the team trusted Casares’ strength as a cyclist and runner. The Philippine triathlon team continues its campaign Thursday with the duathlon events.