From Dawn to Victory: Guam's Historic First Relay Triathlon
Guam's inaugural relay triathlon at Hoover Park ushered in a new team-based era for Pacific Island triathlon competition.
A New Era for Pacific Island Sports
As the first light of dawn painted the sky over Hoover Park in Piti, Guam was on the brink of a sporting milestone. The air was filled with anticipation and the lively tunes of Duran Duran's "Rio," courtesy of Guam Triathlon Federation President Mark Cruz, who was setting the stage for a day that would redefine triathlon on the island. The 2026 GTF Super Sprint Triathlon Relay was not just another race; it was a groundbreaking event that promised to reshape the landscape of Pacific Island sports.
The introduction of Guam's first relay triathlon was a strategic move to align with regional sporting trends across the Pacific. As GTF President Mark Cruz articulated, this event was designed to bring a fresh, exhilarating format to the island's triathlon community.
"It's a super fun, very exciting event to watch," Cruz shared, emphasizing the event's potential to engage both athletes and spectators alike. "We thought: Wouldn't it be a great idea for the general membership and the people of Guam to try it out?"
The relay format transforms the traditionally individual sport of triathlon into a team-based competition. Each two-person team divides the race, with one athlete completing a full super sprint triathlon (250m swim, 6K bike, 2.5K run) before passing a timing chip to their teammate for the second leg.
Why This Matters for Guam's Sports Development
- Fosters athletic partnerships
- Encourages athletes of varying skill levels to compete together
- Aligns with regional Pacific sporting initiatives
- Expands competitive options for the local triathlon community
National Team Members Lead the Charge
The event saw 16 two-person teams across men's, women's, and mixed divisions, showcasing the depth of talent in Guam's triathlon community. National team members, fresh from their historic bronze medal performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, set the pace.
Men's Division: A Display of Team Strategy
Jacob Torres (33) and Tom Schils (50) emerged victorious in 53 minutes, 46 seconds, demonstrating a masterclass in both individual excellence and team chemistry.
Torres, competing in his first race since the Pacific Mini Games, acknowledged the challenges of returning to competition. "I've been doing a little bit of training. It was definitely hard. I forgot how bad it hurt. I feel OK—a little heavy after the holidays," he admitted.
Despite the post-holiday rust, Torres excelled in all three disciplines:
- Swim: Navigated monstrous waves and strong currents to exit the water first
- Bike: Led through the challenging 6K course alongside Cabras power plant
- Run: Maintained his lead through the 2.5K to hand off in pole position
Schils capitalized on Torres' strong foundation to secure the victory, despite facing his own challenges in the turbulent waters.
"On the way to the first buoy, I got swept to the right, and I was really fighting it," Schils explained. "Getting to the second buoy was maybe even more difficult, but then the home stretch was OK."
The team strategy paid off handsomely. By the first turn on the bike course, Schils knew they had locked up first place: "I noticed that I had a significant lead, I think, over six minutes. Thanks to Jacob, I was in a pole position, and couldn't have dreamt for any better."
Mixed Division: Adapting Under Pressure
The mixed division victory belonged to Rynier Di Ramos (17) and Jennifer Pulmones (49), who won in 1:08:10 despite last-minute team changes that showcased the adaptability crucial in elite competition.
Originally, Di Ramos was scheduled to compete in the men's division, but his partner suffered a bike accident after swerving to avoid dogs and being struck by a car. Meanwhile, Pulmones was set to race in the women's division with Mylene Garcia.
"Unfortunately, my teammate had some complications and had an accident, so unfortunately, he's not able to be here. But I'm glad… he is safe," Di Ramos explained.
The solution? Garcia graciously stepped aside, allowing Di Ramos and Pulmones—teammates from the bronze medal-winning Pacific Mini Games squad—to reunite.
"We were teammates before, in Palau, and it's really great to be back again," Di Ramos said.
Women's Division: Building the Foundation
Jessie Alexander and Jamie Smith claimed the women's division title in 1:19:51, establishing a benchmark for future women's relay competitions on Guam.
Managing Elite Athlete Pressure
For Di Ramos, competing on home soil brought unique pressure after his international success. "It definitely put some pressure [on me]—a lot of eyes and a lot of expectations to meet, not just from the community and from the public, but, obviously, for myself," he reflected.
This pressure management represents a crucial skill for young elite athletes transitioning between international and local competition. Di Ramos' approach demonstrates maturity beyond his 17 years: "I love setting standards for myself, and it's—I believe—what every athlete should do if you want to be better."
Race Day Challenges: Nature's Ultimate Test
The coastal waters of Hoover Park provided a formidable challenge that tested even the most experienced athletes. The "monstrous waves" created strong currents throughout the 250-meter swim course, forcing competitors to adjust their navigation strategies on the fly.
These challenging conditions highlighted several key aspects of relay triathlon competition:
Technical Skills Required
- Open water navigation in strong currents
- Quick transitions under pressure
- Bike handling on coastal roads
- Running performance after swimming and cycling
Strategic Advantages of Relay Format
- Ability to leverage individual strengths across team members
- Reduced individual pressure through shared responsibility
- Enhanced spectator engagement through team dynamics
- Training opportunities for different athlete combinations
The Magic of Team Competition
One of the most compelling aspects of the relay format is how it transforms the triathlon experience from an individual pursuit into a shared journey. Torres captured this perfectly: "It's a very fun format to watch your team go, and then, of course, finishing together or cheering each other on. It gives you the extra push, because now you're racing with somebody else—it's not just you."
- Motivation boost from competing for a partner
- Reduced pressure through shared responsibility
- Enhanced spectator experience with multiple athletes to follow
- Training opportunities for different skill combinations
- Community building within the sport
For Pulmones, the experience reinforced the value of mentoring young talent: "I had a good finish. Everything turned out OK. I'm proud of this kid [Di Ramos], and our team."
Building Momentum for the Future
Immediate Benefits
- New competitive format for existing athletes
- Enhanced spectator experience through team dynamics
- Opportunities for skill development and mentoring
- Regional alignment with Pacific sporting trends
Long-term Implications
- Potential for expanded relay events throughout the year
- Development pathway for emerging triathlon talent
- Enhanced team-building within the triathlon community
- Platform for international relay competition opportunities
The presence of bronze medalists from the 2025 Pacific Mini Games adds credibility and inspiration for developing athletes. As Cruz noted, incorporating events that align with regional trends helps position Guam as a serious player in Pacific sports development.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
The success of Guam's first relay triathlon opens exciting possibilities for the island's athletic future. With national team members setting the standard and a growing community of enthusiastic participants, the foundation is set for continued growth and innovation.
For athletes interested in joining this growing movement, the Guam Triathlon Federation offers training programs and membership opportunities that can help develop both individual skills and team dynamics essential for relay competition.
The orange sky that welcomed race day has given way to a bright future for relay triathlon in Guam. As President Cruz's rendition of "Rio" echoed across Hoover Park, it marked not just the start of a race, but the beginning of a new chapter in Pacific Island sports.
Ready to Experience Relay Triathlon?
Connect with the Guam Triathlon Federation to learn about upcoming events, training opportunities, and how you can be part of this exciting new tradition in Pacific Island sports. Whether you're looking for quality swim goggles for open water training or performance tri suits for race day, having the right gear can make all the difference in your relay triathlon journey.
