Eight-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Kim Mnagrobang credited the national triathlon team’s camaraderie for a very successful stint in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

Mangrobang said her bonding with her teammates during their two-month training camp at the New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac made training more efficient as they were able to deliver one of their best performances in the biennial meet.

The 34-year-old veteran joined forces with Kira Ellis and Raven Faith Alcoseba to clinch the women’s team relay gold medal while Inaki Emil Lorbes, Fer Casares and Justine Hermosa ruled and men’s team event. Meanwhile, Ellis, Casares, Alcoseba and Remolino ruled the mixed team event to help the Filipino triathletes win three gold medals in the recent biennial meet.

“Before this race, the national team prepared by training together. We were locked in the NCC for two months because we didn’t train together the whole year. That two-month period before the race really helped us prepare as a team,” Mangrobang said.

“We were able to get to know each other better, and of course, because they were younger than me, I was also able to learn a lot from them. I’ve been in the SEA Games for a long time, and that’s what I see as our advantage compared to other teams.”

Mangrobang said she even handed out pieces of advice from her experiences competing at high-level duathlon and triathlon races around the world.

“Of course, it’s the usual — eating healthy. You need carbohydrates and protein, especially protein, because we’re really burning what we eat. And then, of course, you really need rest,” Mangrobang said.

“We treat sleep and recovery as part of training as well, so it’s all included. You really need to love the sport to be able to do it.”

With the SEA Games done, Mangrobang will recharge for now as she braces herself for more tournaments in 2026.

“Right now, my priority is to rest. We just came from a good training camp in NCC, and I’m not yet thinking about what the next plan is for next year,” Mangrobang said.