Kira Ellis overcame significant challenges to claim silver in the women’s individual triathlon at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday, December 19, at Laem Mae Phim Beach in Rayong, Thailand. The 19-year-old clocked a time of 1:01:02.80, finishing 51 seconds behind Indonesia’s Martina Ayu Pratiwi, who secured gold at 1:00:11.22 across the 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run course.

Ellis faced the race largely on her own after teammate Raven Alcoseba was sidelined by food poisoning. Despite not being at full strength herself following a hospital stay after the women’s team and mixed relay events, Ellis maintained a leading position during the bike leg but was set back by a 10-second penalty and a slow bike-to-run transition.

Remolino and Casares deliver strong performances

Kim Remolino and Fer Casares also battled illness to secure silver and bronze in the men’s individual event. Remolino emerged from sixth place after the swim but posted the second-best bike split and third-best run, finishing at 55:02.73, narrowly behind Indonesia’s Rashif Amila Yaqin at 54:36.84.

Casares overcame an eighth-place swim start, relying on his strength in the bike and run segments to clinch the bronze. Both athletes had previously contributed to the Philippines’ gold medal in the mixed team relay, demonstrating depth and resilience within the squad.

Philippine triathlon team caps successful SEA Games campaign

The challenges faced by the triathletes did not prevent the team from excelling overall. The squad concluded the SEA Games triathlon events with three golds, two silvers, and one bronze, while also earning additional medals in aquathlon and duathlon.

Ellis reflected on the difficulties, noting how the absence of Alcoseba affected strategy and morale. “I’m happy I just got to the start line, and did my best for the Philippines,” she said. The performance showcased the athletes’ determination and ability to adapt under pressure, highlighting the team’s promise for future competitions.