Subic Bay, Philippines: Kimberley Yap from Malaysia created history by winning the first ever Triathlon Gold Medal to be awarded at the South East Asian Games taking out the Women’s Triathlon held in Subic Bay this morning.

Dominating the race from the outset, Kimberley opened up a lead of just over 3 ½ minutes after the swim leg from a group of 3 consisting of Alessandro Araullo and Ani Karina De leon both from the Philippines along with Songsiri Phocharoen from Thailand. 

Halfway through the bike Yap had extended this lead to over 4 minutes before the 2 girls from the Philippines dropped the Thai competitor and started to narrow the deficit reducing the lead to 2 ½ minutes by the end of the cycle leg.

Off the bike, Alessandro immediately set about chasing the leader with Ani quickly dropping off the pace.  Despite Alessandro’s best efforts she could only cut the lead of Kimberley to 1 ½ minutes at the finish with Alessandro having to settle for the silver medal. 

The big mover in the run leg was the youngest competitor in the field, 16 year old Alisa Ng from Singapore.  Coming off the bike in 5th place, Alisa set out in chase of firstly Songsiri, and then after passing her and moving into 4th had her eye firmly on the bronze medal position held by Ani.  Unfortunately for the hosts and the large crowd on hand, Ani was unable to hold off this challenge from Alisa and Singapore claimed the bronze medal.

The Men’s race commences at 6.30am in Subic Bay on Friday 2nd December.

Final results of the SEA Games Women’s Triathlon are:

1st Kimberley Yap Fui Li, Malaysia, Gold Medal
2nd Alessandra Araullo, Philippines, Silver Medal
3rd Ng Xinyi Alisa, Singapore, Bronze Medal
4th Ani Karina De leon, Philippines
5th Songsiri Phocharoen, Thailand
6th Chan Mei Xian Elaine, Singapore

For further information please call Tom Carrasco (mob) 0917 899 2999