Monica Torres, Asia’s duathlon queen, delivered Philippines’ gold in 30th Southeast Asian Games women’s duathlon held at Subic Bay Boardwalk in Zambales on Monday, December 2.
Torres showed her strength as she conquered the duathlon event despite an upset stomach.
“Actually may stomach problem ako kagabi, baka may nakain, o kinakabahan… alam ko malalakas ang mga kalaban ko,” said Torres during the interview.
(Actually, I had stomach problems last night, maybe something I ate, or I’m nervous… I know my opponents are strong.)
Read: UPDATED: SEA Games 2019 medals by team
“Expected ko na malakas ‘yung bike ko, pero ‘yung totoo, naisuka ko lahat ng nutrition and gels ko,” Torres revealed after the race.
(I knew that my bike was strong, but honestly, I thew up all my nutrition and gels.)
“Malaking tulong po ‘yung mga tao na sumusuporta kaya inisip ko na lang na I will not let them down,” Torres added.
(The people who supported me were a great help, so I just thought I would not let them down.)
Torres has been reigning the elite Asian categories of Powerman Asia Duathlon Championships for three consecutive years now. She ruled the 10-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run in runaway fashion with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds.
Duathlon queen Monica Torres was also Philippines’ Ironman 70.3 fastest Filipina for the last six years.
Thailand’s Pareeya Sonsem (2:11:18) came second while Vietnam’s Thi Phuong Nguyen (2:14:20) bagged the bronze medal.
Torres will play again in the mixed relay category on Thursday, December 5.