The sun was blazing in Subic Bay, Philippines as athletes took to the course in the 2004 Asian Regional Triathlon Championships. An Olympic qualifying spot was up for grabs for the winner of both the men’s and women’s events.
The men’s event nearly came down to photo finish as former ITU World Champion Dimitry Gaag (KAZ) just edged out teammate Daniil Sapunov (KAZ) for the win and the qualifying spot for the Athens Olympic Games. Hirokatsu Tayama (JPN), also strong on the run, rounded out the podium in third position.
In the women’s event Akiko Sekine (JPN) easily won the event and earned a spot on the start line in Athens. Akiko was followed across the line by Hongni Wang (CHN), who was almost a minute back; Machiko Nakanishi (JPN) finished in third position.