Ellis tops Riga race, seals triathlon gold for PH

Image Credits:

Kira Ellis via Krsna Parado, INQUIRER.net trainee | Instagram

A new name just stamped Philippine pride on European ground.

Filipina junior triathlete Kira Ellis conquered the Riga leg of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Junior Women Cup on August 17.

Ellis finished the 750 m swim, 22 km bike, and 5.1 km run in 1:05:07 to secure the women’s junior crown.

“This race will always be a special memory for me,” Ellis said in her Instagram post after the win.

The 18-year-old outpaced her closest rival, Latvian hometown bet Dārta Puriņa, who clocked 1:05:36 to settle for silver.

Completing the podium was Czech triathlete Magdalena Musilová, who crossed the line in 1:05:55.

Ellis, who represents Triathlon Philippines, had earlier competed in multiple Europe Triathlon junior races this season before her breakthrough victory in Riga.

She will next test her form in the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup in Hungary on August 31 as she continues her push toward the World Triathlon Junior Championships.