Filipino Darell Johnson Bada (left) and Japan’s Yukiho Okuma pose during the awarding ceremony of the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales on Sunday (May 4, 2025). The two topped the sprint junior elite division. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
Filipino triathlete Darell Johnson Bada emerged victorious in the men’s junior elite division at the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup held Sunday in Subic Bay.
Bada clocked a time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 45 seconds, edging out Japan’s Main Takata (1:02:10) and fellow Filipino John Michael Lalimos (1:02:26). He credited his win to a decisive breakaway during the run, following a grueling swim and bike segment.
“I really wanted to win, so I gave it my all. The swim was very hard and the bike was challenging, but I broke away early in the run,” said Bada, who improved from last year’s third-place finish of 1:03:22.
Euan Arrow Ramos, last year’s Under-15 super sprint champion, finished eighth in 1:07:38. Despite losing one of his shoes after the swim, Ramos pushed through and dominated the bike segment but faded during the run.
In the women’s junior elite category, Japan’s Yukiho Okuma claimed the top spot with a time of 1:08:13. Filipinas Anisha Eunice Caluya (1:11:18) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:12:17) took second and third place, respectively.
National athlete Kira Ellis was unable to finish the race due to a shin injury. She withdrew after the bike leg following advice from her coaches and therapist.
In the sprint age-group race, triathlon debutant Dustine Dan Eslay of the 2600 Tri Team North Pine Aquatics captured the men’s 16–19 title with a time of 1:07:24. Eslay, a Grade 12 student from the University of Baguio, expressed excitement about competing in more races in the future.
Other age-group champions in the men’s standard division included Andie Jimeno (18–24), Rafael Sawali (25–29), Tristan Rene Santos (30–34), Mike Kramer (35–39), Craig Douglas (40–44), Marvin Baldemor (45–49), Junrox Roque (50–54), JT Gonzales (55–59), and Cristobal Olivas (60-over).
In the para triathlon events—supported by the Philippine Sports Commission—winners included Edison Badillo (PTS2), Raul Angoluan (PTS3), Alex Silverio (PTS4), Jerome Nelmida and Shyrnel Amiladjid (PTVI), and Steven and Audrey Coleman in the special category.
