BY NICK GIONGCO
CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – Filipino triathlete John Chicano captured the 30th Southeast Asian Games’ first gold medal on Monday in style, a feat that would later rub off on teammate Kim Mangrobang and the host country’s bets in dancesport, arnis and wushu.
A native of Olongapo Cty, Chicano, who settled for silver in the swim-bike-run event two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, clocked one hour 53 minutes and 26 seconds.
It was a 1-2 finish anew for the Philippines as Kim Remolino of Cebu checked in second (1:55.03) and Indonesian Muhammad Ahlul Firman placed third (1:57.10).
About two hours after Chicano conquest at the Subic Bay Boardwalk in Zambales, it was defending champion Mangrobang’s time to shine as she clocked two hours and two minutes and was followed by the Fil-Am Kim Kilgroe, assuring the Philippines of a second straight 1-2 finish with a time of 2:05.02.
Indonesian Octaria Nechtavani was a distant third with a time of 2:16.33. Chicano, known in the triathlon circle as Rambo, was ecstatic with his golden performance, after being relegated to silver two years ago behind Nikko Huelgas in Malaysia.
Chicano crossed the finish line waving a Philippine flag to the loud cheers of the Filipino crowd.
“I am really thankful for the support of the government and also the cheers of the crowd who welcomed me in the finish line,” said Chicano, who led most of the way.
Chicano also gave credit to his partnership with Remolino, who both made sure that the Indonesian entry would not close in on them.
“At least we were able to defend the 1-2 finish,” added Chicano, who will recharge his batteries before kicking off his 2020 campaign with a tournament in February.
The deluge of gold medals came less than 24 hours after a lavish opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, putting the country’s quest to capture the overall crown in motion with winning performances on other fronts as hostilities go full blast.
Dancesport also sparkled with five gold and wushu and arnis one each for a total of nine at press time.
The winners in dancesprt were Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla, the pair who grooved and glided their way to golds in Tango, Viennese Waltza and Five Dance events.
The tandem of Mark Jayson Gayon and May Joy Renigen aso clicked in Standard Waltz and Slow Foxtrot.
Dexter Bolambao, meanwhile, gave arnis its first gold in the 55 kg class at the Angeles University Foundation.
