Daddy Mo Tri

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Last June 9, 2012, hundreds of proud parents brought their kids to Ayala Alabang for this years much awaited short-course triathlon, the Animo Sprint Tri. But it’s a different case this time around. As it’s the son that brought his dad to race that Saturday morning. Read on for the story of the super father and son tandem of Rico and Quito San Agustin.

With the encouragement of his son Quito and Xycos teammates, Rico San Agustin, at 56 y.o., decided to give swim, bike, run a try for the first time.

Rico was an experienced runner and he regularly rides his mountain bike to stay in good shape. But he admits swimming is his weakness among the three disciplines.

Father and son, Rico and Quito San Agustin before the race.

Don Rico, as team Xycos call him, is like the ‘Godfather’ of the group. He’s always been supportive of his unico hiyo’s (only son) sport activities, as he would cheer and take his grandchildren to Quito’s races and treat the whole team to a good meal after competitions.

Two weeks before the race, Quito not only signed up his dad for the Super Mini Sprint category but also registered himself and four other Xycos teammates – not to compete but be his dad’s support group or pacer-entourage. Quito also committed to training sessions with his dad. It was a delightful and humbling experience for daddy Rico to train with Quito, as he reminisced about the time he taught his son how to swim and ride a bike more than two decades ago.

Daddy Rico & Quito together with Team Xycos before the race

On the race day, daddy Rico struggled in the pool but he demonstrated willpower to finish the swim. He drank his herbal energy booster at the transition area that invigorated him for the bike and run legs. The Xycos entourage kept him entertained and hydrated all throughout the race. If you know how crazy team Xycos is (the name says it all), you know you’re in for a treat!