David Nicholas, managing director of the XTERRA World Tour informed Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas last week that Manglona has been qualified for the XTERRA World where the Tinian’s son will be competing with other athletes his age from Germany, Italy, England, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Japan, South Africa, Brazil and other participating countries.
Nicholas’ invitation was greatly appreciated by Manglona’s supporters on Tinian, including Mayor San Nicolas.
Manglona is the only triathlete from Tinian who participated in the 9th Saipan XTERRA Championship last April 18 and 20th Tagaman Triathlon last April 25.
In his letter to the mayor, Nicholas said they were very impressed with Manglona’s attitude and spirit in completing such difficult events.
Manglona, the World Tour managing director added, is exactly the type of young man that XTERRA hopes to attract.
“Healthy, goal oriented, more interested in an outdoor lifestyle than video games; Joshua could be a terrific role model for the youth of Tinian,” Nicholas tells the Tinian mayor, as he formally informed him they are accepting Manglona for the XTERRA World Championship.
Nicholas further said that by having Manglona compete against the very best from around the world, the Tinian son would set the bar even higher for himself and the people of the island.
“I would not expect him to win or even finish on the podium in his age group the first time, but the experience of racing against other young men his age from Germany, Italy, England, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Japan, South Africa, Brazil and many more will stay with him forever,” Nicholas said.
