CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Balancing night classes and grueling daytime training runs, 22-year-old student-athlete Ellaiza Nicole Rojo delivered a breakthrough performance at Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, finishing as the first Filipina to cross the finish line and securing a slot in the upcoming World Championship.
Representing South Cotabato, the fourth-year special needs education student at Saint Alexius College conquered severe weather conditions on Aug. 9 to win the women’s 18-24 age division. Rojo recorded an overall time of 5 hours, 15 minutes, and 27 seconds.
"I didn't cry because I was tired or because I crossed the finish line," Rojo said. "I cried because of all the sacrifices, discipline, and determination I put in for a month. I had night classes, leaving school at 7:30 p.m., and then I would run at the oval alone, even in the rain or at high noon."
Rojo's race was complicated by a passing storm that created strong currents, forcing organizers to shorten the standard 1.9-kilometer swim to just over 1 kilometer. The weather also brought intense headwinds during the 90-kilometer bike segment across the CCLEX bridge.
Despite the challenges, Rojo leveraged her strong swimming background to build an early lead. During the final 21.1-kilometer run, she pushed through physical exhaustion to outpace a chasing Japanese competitor, guided by her coach's time-gap updates.
Following her historic finish in Cebu, Rojo has continued her momentum. She recently competed in the 5th Batang Surigaonon Battle of Surigao Strait Triathlon on Oct. 18, joining over 400 triathletes in Surigao City.
"I only prepared for two weeks because my bike was new, so I had to balance my studies, work, and training at the same time," Rojo said of the Surigao race. "I needed to come back here stronger because the first time I joined, I was sick and weak."
Rojo plans to defend her title when the Siargao Triathlon returns next year. She credited her success to her family, coaching staff, and local government sponsors, including the Koronadal City Mayor's Office, who supported her financially.
"Whatever hurtful things you hear, turn it into motivation," Rojo advised aspiring athletes. "Listen to your coach, be disciplined, and the feeling of achieving your dream is incredible."
