Claire Adorna sparks 1-2 finish with Kim Mangrobang at the Southeast Asian Games.
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday lauded Filipina triathlete Ma. Claire Adorna for bagging the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.
“We would like to congratulate our triathlete Ma. Claire Adorna for winning the first gold medal of the Philippines during the women’s triathlon held yesterday (June 6),” Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Herminio Coloma said in Filipino during an interview with state-run radio station dzRB.
"Despite her injury, the 21-year old Ms. Adorna succeeded,” he added.
Coloma also congratulated Adorna’s teammate Kim Mangrobang, who won silver medal in the same event.
Adorna, who was suffering from an ankle injury during the competition, finished at 2:13:08 while Mangrobang clocked in at 2:14:26.
Malacañang also praised the other Filipino athletes who had notched medals in other sporting events like fencing, table tennis, Wushu, canoeing, Judo, shooting, and traditional boat race.
“We are hopeful that the Philippines will surpass the 29 gold, 34 silver and 37 bronze medals it won during the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar,” Coloma said.
“Let us continue to support our athletes who are proudly carrying the Philippine flag in the competition,” he added.
The Philippines has sent a 472-strong contingent to the regional sporting event.