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Diyco wants to join more triathlon events
The triathlon bug must have bitten Jerome Diyco really hard as the 15-year-old is looking to join more races after earning a spot in the 2015 XTERRA World Championship in Maui, Hawaii on Nov. 1.
Jerome Diyco heads to the next portion of the trail run leg of last week’s XTERRA Saipan Championship. Diyco is one of the age group finishers that earned spots in this year’s XTERRA World Championship in Maui, Hawaii. (Jon Perez)
Diyco, who was the lone competitor in the 15-19 age group, conquered last week’s 43.5-kilometer rain-soaked and muddy XTERRA Saipan course in 4:19:59 to clinch the spot in Maui.
He was the 24th swimmer who came out of the two-lap swim course clocking 23:46 or 7:49 behind eventual champion and pro Ben Allen of Australia (15:57). He finished the bike and run legs in 2:20:17 and 1:32:39, respectively.
“Qualifying in Maui made me want to do more of this type of races. I want to join more of this,” said Diyco. “I wasn’t sure at first that I topped my age group. It was a great feeling to know that you qualified for the XTERRA World Championship.”
The Saipan Southern High School freshman said he had mixed emotions after completing the grueling race and crossing the finish line with no injuries.
“I have trained for one year for this race. I was a bit slow at first but once I got my rhythm, I felt more comfortable and at ease,” added Diyco, whose strongest part of the triathlon is the bike leg.
Although, he also tried playing basketball it was in triathlon that he chose to concentrate more after his father and cycling enthusiast, Jay, let him watch triathlon events on television and on Saipan.
“Since I was a kid, my dad got me into watching triathlon events and it made me want to try the sport,” said Diyco, who started taking up swimming lessons in the third grade.
He added that his dad also regularly brought him to watch XTERRA Saipan and the Tagaman Triathlon events on island.
His 1:32:39 record in XTERRA Saipan’s run leg is his best time in a jungle trail course.
“I expected the XTERRA Saipan course to be hard. I’m still getting used to it. But I loved it and it was a great feeling finishing the entire course,” Diyco added.
