Kim Mangrobang once again affirmed her status as one of the region’s premier triathletes, leading the Philippine team to its first gold medal of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The victory came in the women’s team relay on Wednesday at Laem Mae Phim, Klaeng district, Rayong, Thailand.
Mangrobang claimed her second relay gold, her first since the mixed relay triumph at the 30th SEA Games.
She partnered with De La Salle University alum Raven Alcoseba and 19-year-old Kira Ellis, finishing first with a time of 1:10:14—34 seconds ahead of Indonesia, which clocked 1:10:48.
Ellis was a late replacement for Erika Burgos, who was initially slated to participate in the relay. The strategic move by Triathlon Philippines officials paid off, ultimately securing the gold.
“It was a last-minute change in the schedule,” said Ellis, reflecting on the switch. “I wasn’t supposed to race, but we thought that if I start for the team and Raven finishes, we really have a strong chance at gold. It worked out. We strategized to create a gap early and maintain it throughout the race.”
Singapore rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, finishing at 1:12:00.
Mangrobang, a three-time SEA Games individual champion, will now set her sights on a fourth individual gold on Friday at the same venue in Eastern Thailand.
