Memory of late father pushes Archival siblings at Batang Pinoy

TAGUM, Philippines – Siblings Nyka and Nyko Archival had always enjoyed competing in triathlon, but that all changed in 2014 when their father, Noel Archival, a prominent criminal lawyer in Cebu City, was killed in an ambush. 

Their father did not only introduce them to the sport back in 2010 but he had given them his all out support, cheering them on during every race that they competed in and buying them whatever they needed without minding the cost.

Fourteen-year-old Nyka said it was not easy for both of them to go back into the sport after their dad died. “It took us two to 3 months.”

Back in February 2014, Atty. Archival was on his way home to Cebu City from hearing a case in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental when the vehicle he was riding was ambushed by two vehicles.

Archival, his driver and a security aide, were killed immediately. A case on the ambush-slay is ongoing with members of the Highway Patrol Group-7 tagged as suspects.

According to Nyko, 13, they went back because their mother told them that it would really make their father happy if they continue with triathlon.

Atty. Archival himself competed in the sport, with his favorite of the 3 events being swimming, Nyka says.

Now, every race has become meaningful because they are dedicating it to their father. “I’ll just do the same thing all over except I’ll do it for him,” Nyka said.

Every race, both Nyka and Nyko said that they pray and ask for guidance then tell themselves “I can do this and I’ll finish this for my dad.” And even when he is no longer physically on the sidelines cheering them on, they still feel his presence urging them to the finish line of every race.

They have won so many times already but for Nyka, their biggest achievement is going back into the sport after their dad passed away.

“I don’t only treasure one, I treasure a lot. All of the events we join even if I win or lose because win or lose my dad would still be happy.”

Both said they will continue with the sport as a tribute to their father.

“It doesn’t matter if the race is held in far away places like Oslob, we go and race because we know it will make our dad happy,” said Nyko.

“I just do it for him,” Nyka chipped in.

This year, the siblings are ramping up their running by enrolling at the University of San Carlos and training under coach Arvin Loberanis.

This is the second time that both Nyka and Nyko is competing in the Batang Pinoy. This year, Nyka finished 4th both in triathlon and duathlon in the girls 13-15 category. Nyko, for his part, finished 10th in the duathlon, 6th in the cycling criterium and 4th in the cycling individual time trial.  

The cycling criterium was held Monday, the triathlon competition was held Tuesday, duathlon on Wednesday then the ITT on Thursday.

When their dad first introduced them into triathlon, Nyko immediately got into it immedlate.y Nyka took a while to come around because she didn’t know how to ride a bike. They started training in 2010 then started joining competitions a year later.

They have 3 other siblings and their eldest have now followed in their footsteps.

They train everyday, sometimes before school, sometimes after, except on Sundays.

Both admitted that it is hard balancing training with their studies but that they will continue to do it for their father.

While Nyka wants to become a doctor someday, Nyko wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a lawyer. – Rappler.com