A defending, two-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games triathlon and the chairman of the National Athlete’s Commission with a strong resolve to be the best athlete he can be, Nikko Huelgas is an inspiration to many.
More than an image of success, he is a shining example of how hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith can go a long way in beating the odds.
Now a trained swimmer, Huelgas revealed he used to panic before hitting the water.
“When I was young, I had swim trauma,” he related. “I always had anxiety minutes before gunstart during my swimming competition years.”
To overcome it, Huelgas came to the realization that fear was inevitable, and that staying focused on doing well by training hard was the only way forward.
“Fear becomes the main reason why we become the best version of ourselves,” he said.
And train well he did drive by the desire to serve and represent the country as a National Athlete.
“I prepare by fixing my schedule, creating a timeline breakdown,” he shared, “That way, I can give my full attention to everything—it all starts with the mind—where I become a different person because I have a clear vision of what needs to be done.”
Huelgas has also learned to train smart—utilizing proper warm-ups and stretching, meditating in the morning, eating right, and getting at least seven hours of sleep a day. After all, winning a triathlon entails a combination of physical fitness and the mental strength necessary to keep going at any cost.
“You have to enjoy your training sessions and respect your coach. Having a mentor you can work with, who can answer all your questions, is a big help too.”
Having the proper equipment is also crucial, he opined. Huelgas shared he can’t live without a proper aerodynamic bike, good suction swim goggles, high responsive run shoes and his TechnoMarine Shark watch—inspired and named after one of the fiercest predators found in our oceans.
A take-off from the iconic Cruise Collection, the Shark, with its bold elements of design and color, coupled with a vibrant style and Technomarine’s trademark precision, is a perfect fit for Huelgas’ go-getting personality and active lifestyle.
“It is light and versatile, so you can easily move around anywhere. It’s my go-to everyday wristwatch, especially when I travel.”
Even with all the hard work he has put in and continues to put in, Huelgas is enjoying every moment, every victory, in his continuing journey. “Aside from being an athlete, I also dream of being a pilot someday.”
