This is a story of two siblings who have one thing in common: triathlon, a sport that requires three level of disciplines swimming, cycling and running.
Usually, ballgames require only one ball in order to play but in triathlon you must have two to finish the race.
Aaron Clemente, the “Kuya,” and Adrian Clemente, the younger one, both February born in 2004 and 2005 respectively – in Abu Dhabi have shown signs they’d be blazing trails someday as early as when they were small boys, if you will, with Aaron taking out the sidecar of a bike their father had assembled for them, and rode it without the training wheels – he was 5.
At the age of 12, Aaron and Adrian, 11 – the Clemente Brothers, as they would more popularly be known, began to run 1 kilometer for the ADNIC Yas Run, it was a fun run dedicated to Kids. It was UAE winter of 2016 when World Triathlon Series – International Triathlon Union was held in Abu Dhabi – Corniche. That was the first time the siblings witnessed professional triathletes competing in an international events.
The rest, as they say was history.
In March of 2017, Aaron was registered for the first time in the annual World Triathlon Series – International Triathlon Union held again in Abu Dhabi – Yas Island.
Joining under the Junior Super Sprint Triathlon category, which meant he had to swim 375 meters, cycle 10kms and run 2.5kms, Aaron finished 48th of 66 among Junior Triathletes which is not bad for a beginner.
The lone competitor from Philippines was in a sport event dominated by kids from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and other neighboring Middle East countries like Bahrain and Egypt.
In the beginning of School Year 2017-18, a training program for Aaron was established by his father to enhance his triathlon skills.
In February 2018, Aaron raced the TriYas Triathlon in preparation for the 2018 World Triathlon Series -ITU for the second time. He competed against adults over 19 years old and came first in his category 12-15 years old; and garnered a trophy.
In March 2018 Aaron competed in the World Triathlon Series-ITU Junior Super Sprint Triathlon – Abu Dhabi Yas Island. He managed to finished 20th out of 80 competitors.
Adrian also raced in the Junior Duathlon for the first time and won the First Place Podium win in his category 13-14 years old. After the race Aaron was able to consistently train and continue the training program introduced by his father-coach.
With the start of the First Series of Triathlon Festivals in the last quarter of 2018, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council organized triathlon, aquathlon and duathlon events in Al Hudayriat Island, where Aaron competed in the triathlon while the younger brother Adrian raced in Duathlon although he can now swim 400m. Again Adrian easily garnering the First Place with a Trophy and Gold Medal.
In the second series of the event in November 30, 2018, the Clemente levelled up his race to Sprint Triathlon – 750 meters swim, 20 km bike and 5km run; raced against Adults and he nailed a stunning time of 1:17: 45 to land fourth place in the Youth Category.
On the second day of the triathlon festival, both brothers raced against each other in the Super Sprint Category. Kuya stepped on the Podium for Second Place.
As of press time, both siblings are in training in preparation for the upcoming World Triathlon Series – ITU in February 2019, Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Aaron in Triathlon keen to prove his personals best in WTS-ITU Junior Triathlon and Adrian defending his Junior Duathlon crown.
