Ironman bid in jeopardy

PHILIPPINE Under 23 team member Rochelle Tan of Cebu’s chances of securing one of the three top spots in the upcoming Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines are starting to blur after the up -and-comer injured herself in the Rebel Trails Duathlon at the Danao Adventure Park in Danao,Bohol.

The race—a 10km run-30km bike-10km run event—was one of the highlights of Danao’s Charter Day celebration.

During the start of the race, the 19-year-old Tan was leading the pack. But she lost the lead in the muddy part of the trails she she twisted her ankle as she was crossing the riverbank. She was dragged into the mud, felt a searing pain and dropped out of the race. Worst of all, she just might not be able to join the Ironman, which she has been preparing for.

“I tried to run again but it was too painful so I didn’t force it and quit the race,” said Tan who topped her age group in the 2011 Ironman 70.3 in Camsur.

Her mother Maricris was worried about her daughter’s condition because the Ironman 70.3 is less than a month away.

“When she injured her shin during the Xterra off road triathlon race, her recovery period was more than a month. I don’t know if her injury on her ankle today will require her a longer period to recuperate,” Maricris said.

Tan won the female elite division of the Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road triathlon race held early this year in Lilo-an,Cebu.

“We are not expecting her to top the elite division since several of the country’s top triathletes will be competing. But we were hoping that she can land in the top three spots. But with what happened, the best we could hope for now is her fast recovery,” Maricris said.

Rochelle’s father Tyrone said he will not force his daughter to race if her body won’t allow it.

“We will see how Rochelle will recover from this because usually it takes three weeks to heal. If it won’t be ready for the Ironman, then we will not force her. There will always be next year,” Tyrone said.