SUBIC BAY–Juan Francisco “Wacky” Baniqued maintained his stature as the undisputed iron kid even as Tara Borlain returned from a two-leg absence with aplomb in the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon II yesterday at the Remy Field here.
Baniqued remained unbeaten for the past seven years with another dominant performance in the boys’ 13-14 age group.
“My first sport is actually swimming, we saw last regent and then triathlon, it became my sports.”
“I need to be first every time,” this is the mindset of the 14-year-old from San Pablo, Laguna, every time he’s going to compete.
Likewise, Wacky draws inspirations from his parents who supports and come with him every competition.
After all his hard works and efforts for the past seven years, Wacky has already set his ultimate goal and is looking forward to compete in Olympics next year in Argentina.
Wacky gave his simple piece of advice as he encouraged all the younger participants as well as those who wish to become a triathlete to just enjoy the race. “Don’t be afraid that you’ll lose because no one starts as a winner,” he said.
In the girls’ division of the same age category, Borlain was not to be denied.
Now quicker and tougher, Borlain made her comeback and proved everyone that it’s her time to shine.
The young triathlete skipped two competitions because she had to prioritize her studies.
“It’s a comeback game because when I continue competing, there’s no more thrill, my parents told me to stop for two, so when I compete, there’s an enjoyment, pressure and it’s not like a routine anymore,” said the 14- year-old triathlete.
For Borlain, triathlon is more than just a sport she’s playing. It’s something she really enjoys doing. Ever since she started, Triathlon served as one of the things on her life that gives her the feeling of fulfillment. “I find my happiness here,” Borlain said.
“I actually felt like I’m back and I felt really happy about it,” Tara added.
When asked what inspire her to persevere, “My parents. They are really hardworking and they do everything for me,” she shared.
From a very young age, Tara was already exposed in sports and she always put an all-in effort to become the best possible triathlete she can be under the training of her father Ringo Borlain, a former bodybuilder.
Just like some athletes, Borlain’s main goal in every competition is to have fun in whatever she’s doing and to stay happy. And, of course, at the same time, to give her best in every single thing she do.
Sharing the limelight in the event that drew over 400 participants were 11-12 winners Zedrick James Borja (13:49) and Paula Mhaye Ander (13:15), 9-10 titlists Michael Garbiel Lozada (10:54) and Aubrey Tom (10:53), and 6-8 rulers Darell Johnson Bada (08:00) and Kyle Enialle Tolenada (8:22), who reigned under the late morning rains.