THE Philippines secured a podium finish at the 2026 Asian Para Triathlon Championships after organizers were forced to scrap the swimming leg because of unsafe water conditions brought about by heavy rains in Subic.
More than 30 para-athletes from across Asia competed in the event, with the Philippine delegation featuring Alex Silverio, Cedei Abellana, Leonardo Acosta, and twins Jerome and Joshua Nelmida.
The race was originally scheduled as a triathlon, but consecutive heavy downpours in Subic caused the water in the swimming area to become murky after debris and accumulated waste entered the course.
Concerned about the safety of the competitors, the technical team canceled the 750-meter swim and converted the event into a duathlon.
The revised course consisted of a 5-kilometer run, a 20-kilometer bike leg and a final 2.5-kilometer run.
Despite the sudden change in format, Silverio delivered a bronze-medal performance in the men’s PTS4 category.
It marked Silverio’s third Asian Championships medal after taking silver in 2024 and finishing fourth last year.
“Masaya po kasi hindi ko in-expect kasi malalakas din iyung kalaban ko eh. Ang mindset ko, gawin ko na iyung lahat tapos ginawa ko na lang iyung best ko sa last run na i-all out na lang talaga,” Silverio told Abante Sports’ Jonas Lavarias.
The Nelmida twins also completed the race in the men’s PT6 category, with Jerome crossing the finish line ahead of Joshua.
Jerome said he was pleased to meet his target despite the changing weather conditions.
“So far, sobrang happy. It’s because nakuha ko iyung goal, iyung time na gusto ko. Iyung klima, pabago-bago eh. Pero hindi iyun naging hadlang. Although mahirap siya, mahirap po ang naging race po namin. Pero naging safe naman po. Sobrang happy ko po na we finished strong the race,” he said.
Joshua, meanwhile, completed the race despite dealing with a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
“Despite of being injured, Grade 2 ankle sprain injury, natapos ko ang race nang walang injury,” he said.
Philippine national para triathlon head coach Anthony Lozada was also pleased with the team’s performance, particularly given that the athletes had prepared specifically for a triathlon before the last-minute change.
“Well, ang performance nila, I’m very happy with their performance. Kasi considering na we were preparing for a triathlon. Naging duathlon. Even hindi sila seasoned duathletes, they were able to keep their pace and then know kung kailan mag-a-attack,” Lozada said.
The Philippines’ performance came despite the weather disruption and the unexpected removal of the swimming portion, with the national team managing to secure a medal while completing the revised course safely. (Adrian Co)
