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Antonio strikes gold in Tour of Guam
Florence Antonio, right, negotiates the 42-kilometer short course of the 2022 Tour of Guam last Sunday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
“Mighty Man’Amko” Florence Antonio made sure the CNMI won’t go home empty-handed when he won the men’s 60-69 division short course of the 2022 Tour of Guam last Sunday.
The 64-year-old board member of the Triathlon Association of the CNMI completed the 42-kilometer course in 1:49:41.9, good enough for gold in the five-cyclist division
“I am turning 64 in four months. I dedicate my win to all my friends and family and to the CNMI.”
The Zambales, Philippines native said there’s really no secret in keeping his active lifestyle.
“The secrets are regular exercises, proper diet, rest, relaxation, and peace of mind,” he said.
Antonio shared that his strategy coming into the Tour of Guam was to do regular exercise, complete rest, and relax while racing to save energy in the end.
What’s more impressive is Antonio continues to compete even after surviving stage 3 prostate cancer and grade 4 internal hemorrhoids, two surgeries to remove part of his gallbladder, inguinal hernia that resulted in five major surgeries, and a major car-bike accident in 2020.
Antonio first came to Saipan on June 13, 1982, as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator. He now considers the CNMI his home.
“I just want to encourage people to live an active lifestyle despite your health issues. It’s the key to a longer and fulfilling life,” he was quoted by TAGA Plus in a 2021 issue.
Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation official and Team NMI manager Jay Diyco congratulated Antonio for the latest feather in his decorated cap.
“Congratulations for winning his age group. He is a great inspiration to everyone. To the whole team congratulations as well and thank you for representing the CNMI,” he said.
Aside from Antonio, also making the trip to Guam to compete in the 2022 Tour of Guam were Rusty Valino, Jojo Valencia, Nelson Pagaduan, and Diyco himself.
Gabe Cubacub was the overall winner of the short course after pedaling to the finish line in 1:27:05.5. Yoon Heon, meanwhile, beat 141 other cyclists in topping the 105-kilometer long course in 2:56:17.4.
