At 15, Gian Taylor is looking forward to be a part of the national team someday.
That will not be farfetched as the pride of Malaybalay, Bukidnon showed his potential by topping the male 12-17 category of the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint recently in Naga, Cebu.
Taylor of Bukids Multisport arrived ahead of the field after completing the short-distance triathlon that serves as a qualifying race to earn a spot in the Go For Gold-backed Philippine team in one hour, 11 minutes and 36 seconds.
“My biggest dream is to represent our country to the Olympics,’’ said Taylor, a Grade 9 student from San Isidro College High School in Bukidnon.
Renzo Mar Pahaganas checked in second in 1:21:43 to conquer the punishing 750-meter open-water swim, 20km bike and 5km run followed by third-placer Jericho Auguis (1:21:57).
There are actually five more races where the top male and female finishers get to earn a contract from Go For Gold, chief backer of the men’s triathlon team.
“This came from our commitment to grow events in the Philippines which our athletes could join so they will have more opportunities to showcase their talent,” said Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go.
After the race in Naga, Cebu, the next stop will be the SwimBikeRun.PH Aquaman at Vermosa Sports Hub on May 19 followed by the Duaman in Nuvali on June 16.
Another Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint in Davao City on July 7 has been scheduled before winding it up with the Go For Gold SBR PH Triman-Clark on July 28 and the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint-Subic on Nov. 4.
“A lot were sending me messages on how they could join the Go For Gold team. That’s why we came up with this selection process,’’ said Go, vice president for marketing of Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp.
