IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu 2026: Da Silva wins three-peat, Tan steals spotlight

CEBU CITY, Philippines — c

The 15-year-old Cebuano triathlon prospect from the Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group (TLTG) clocked 12 minutes, 10 seconds to claim the championship, finishing 17 seconds ahead of the rest of the top five, whose rankings were decided through photo finishes.

“I can say that I did great because I’ve been training consistently. Yeah, I’m used to this course and I think, even if they still change the course, I can still perform great,” said Da Silva, who trains under renowned Cebuano triathlon coach Roland Remolino.

Da Silva said he draws inspiration from Remolino’s son, Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Andrew Kim Remolino, who also competed in IRONKIDS races before rising to become an elite international triathlete and a member of the Philippine national team.

Hans Nathan Samputon and Therrence Paulter Canas finished second and third, respectively, after both clocked 12:27. Their final rankings were settled through a photo finish. Martin Jacob Jamodiong and Earl Pearson Jr. also finished in a photo finish, both recording 12:57.

Ormoc girl wins, too

In the girls’ 13-15 age group, Ormoc City’s Lauren Lee Tan stole the spotlight with a strong performance.

Tan, who has been competing in IRONKIDS since she was seven, said she was pleased to see her hard work in training pay off.

“All my hard work has paid off in training. I also trusted my dad, who is also my coach,” said Tan.

“My first IRONKID was when I was seven years old, so I’ve been competing for a long time already. I’ve won a couple of times already.”

Like Da Silva, Tan also trains under Remolino while receiving additional coaching from her father in Ormoc City.

Cebuana Henia Ethana Go and TLTG teammate Niala Kyrzl Limas finished second and third, respectively, while Francheska Gael Delfino and Hannah Lou Samputon completed the top five.

Christian Villar, who clocked 12:09, and Zoe Angel Da Silva, who finished in 11:32, topped the boys’ and girls’ 11-12 age groups, respectively.

Youngest winners

The 9-10 age-group titles went to Amir Raphayel Lacanaria (10:18) and Ma. Georjina Concepcion Sumaje (12:46).

In the youngest 6-8 age group, Johan Benedict Santos (9:10) and Francesca Bader Mendoza (13:00) emerged as the boys’ and girls’ champions, respectively.

The Cebu Narwhal Swimming Team topped the 11-15 mixed relay in 11:15, while Salabite Swim Sting won the 6-10 mixed relay in 10:28.

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