By MARK REY MONTEJO
Training in one sport is already hard, so imagine having to train rigorously in three disciplines? It’s mind-blowing.
But knowing success can’t be achieved in a week of training or even months, current triathlete star Kira Ellis is willing to sacrifice everything as long as her body and mind could function effectively and vigorously.
With mother – Doray – always ready to provide support, comfort and inspiration, nothing is impossible for this stunner of a beauty.
Ellis impressed and made a loud noise – which was heard across the country – from Latvia after winning the gold medal in the Junior Women category of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Cup in Riga last weekend.
Doray was there to witness her daughter conquer the 16-woman field, which Kira appreciated and she was nothing but gratitude to her supportive mother who always accompanied her throughout setbacks and triumphs.
“Dealing with an injury, it’s a lot of a mental battle more than physical, I think the reason why it was a very sweet moment, she has to deal with it with me (Doray), she knows what I feel,” said Ellis during an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2 Sports.
“Just being more mentally tough in that way… also I don’t like saying the injury was worth it because I don’t like getting injured, I wouldn’t wish anyone to get injured,” she added.
Kira also shared that she learned a lot during her recovery, noting it helped her shape and improve her mentality which could be a huge boost to her career, especially her jumping into the elite class.
“Me sitting back from triathlon for a few months, just to have a look of an overview of how I approached races mentally, like I tend to overstress myself,” Kira continued. “Here again I’m happy I approach it very calmly and I think clearly, so mentally, there’s a big change, training as well, I was more relaxed, listening to my body, and just following my coach.”
It was a fitting present for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games mixed relay champion who just celebrated her 19th birthday last Wednesday, Aug. 20, as she inches closer to completely ending her stellar junior run which she hopes will continue to the elite level.
“I hope it stays that way (being healthy)… it’s such a nice feeling,” said Ellis. “This is the first time I have had an injury like this… that’s why it was prolonged.”
“There’s a lot of work I have to do but I think I’m healthy now and that was a good start in my new season of racing, at least. So hopefully, we can build it up,” she added.
More impressively, Kira has been sidelined for six months after suffering a shin splint (medial tibial stress syndrome) before plunging into a training camp in Portugal ahead of the Latvia junior meet.
Also one of Kira’s hopes is entering inside the world Top 100 – a feat which was almost reached by accomplished Filipina triathlete Kim Mangrobang, who once held No. 104 in the global list.
“I think I need to be in the top 100 in the world. I know I still have a lot of catching up to do but I love the challenge,” she added.
With Kira getting closer to moving on from the junior ranks, Doray, a seasoned triathlete and world-class coach herself, tipped her hat to Kira as her recent achievement not only made their family stronger but also bolster their preparations for bigger competitions.
“Obviously, Kira is still young ‘yong transition to junior to elite is really hard, because that’s the stage where they’re mentally unstable still, they look like adults na, actually they’re not… ito talaga ‘yong kailangan nila ng guidance and all,” said Doray.
For now, Kira is enjoying a well-deserved break before she returns in action for this year’s Asia Triathlon Cup in Gamagori, Japan next month and Asia Triathlon Junior & U23 Championships in Aqaba, Jordan late October.
At 18, Kira was already recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as she was one of the recipients of the body’s Olympic Solidarity Scholarships last June where Olympian golfer Bianca Pagdangan and rising star Eldrew Yulo were in the list. She is expected to banner the Nationals for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
