Grace Libero

Metro Exclusive Interview: Kira Eliis for Penshoppe

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<div><em>Sweet. Sparkling. Skilled. Cute. Charming. Capable.</em></div><p>There is just a myriad of words that would aptly describe one of the Philippines’ rising sports stars, <strong>Kira Elli</strong><strong>s</strong>. However, behind her saccharine countenance and youth is a triathlete armed with determination, discipline, grit, and dreams.</p><p>The 19-year-old had an eventful year in 2025, cementing her top status in the world of endurance sport. She faced a whirlwind of international competitions such as the European Cup, Asian Cup, Junior Worlds, and the SEA (South East Asian) Games. Her captivating performances and recent wins—two gold medals and a silver—in the SEA Games were laced with behind-the-scenes drama and challenge: a debilitating stomach flu that hit her mid-competition. She was so intensely focused on surviving and winning the competition that she was surprised by the newst headlines written about it.</p><p>“It&#x27;s so funny because I&#x27;m not really online, and especially during that time because I was trying to lock in on the races, and then when I went back home, everyone&#x27;s like, ‘Oh, how&#x27;s your stomach? I heard what happened.‘ I was like, ‘Huh? How do you know this?‘ And then I looked, and it was all over [the news and the internet]. Oh, this is what I trended for—vomiting and stuff, but I just found it more dramatic,” she laughed, clearly amused with the turn of events.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769499633405kira ellis metrostyle 1.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo courtesy of Penshoppe</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Natural-born triathlete</strong></div><p>Born to British father <strong>Mark Ellis</strong> and Filipina mother <strong>Doray</strong>, Kira couldn’t remember how she got into the sport since she’s always been watching her parents compete in triathlon events. The passion for swimming, cycling, and running naturally rubbed off on her.</p><p>“My mom found out she was pregnant after a triathlon—I was basically made from this sport,” she said in jest, flashing her charming smile.</p><p>“I lived and breathed it even as a fetus. I would always watch my parents’ race and train, and then they threw me in the pool and made me run as early as I could. I’ve always enjoyed it. They never forced triathlon on me, and they really made me try other sports like football, but I&#x27;m not good at it. We realized why I should stick to triathlon for a reason,” Kira added, her sense of humor becoming more evident as the conversation went on.</p><p>Turning serious, she credits her parents for raising her to love sports.</p><p>“Triathlon is just something that was there even before I was born, and it&#x27;s just something that&#x27;s always been part of my life. I just grew up that way. It&#x27;s natural. It&#x27;s like I don&#x27;t know what to do if I don&#x27;t do it,” she confessed.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DS196fekttL/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A18518966%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>With triathlon as an endurance sport, Kira had to embrace three sports to train and get good at them. She admits she has a favorite, though among swimming, cycling, and running.</p><p>“I love running, like more than anything. I&#x27;m okay with swimming, and it&#x27;s kind of a love-hate relationship with biking, but I really love the thought of running,” she beamed.</p><p>Kira was also self-aware enough to know her winning strategy and strength in this competitive field.</p><p>“Because there are transition periods between the bike, we have to race to put on our shoes, and so one thing that I am pretty good at is having quick transitions. I do get that head start sometimes, and I love it when I do because I&#x27;d rather be the first on the course and just have that early breakaway, so I don&#x27;t have to worry about people keeping pace with me or me keeping pace with someone else. Like, I&#x27;m out there, and I&#x27;m leading, and I just have to hold it, which is no pressure, but I prefer it that way,” the young athlete explained.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Crho2QcPys5/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A18890606.9%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="566" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Her dreams are fueled by her determination to win as well as by having people to look up to, especially in the triathlon scene. She named French triathlete <strong>Cassandre Beaugrand</strong> and British triathlete and distance runner <strong>Alex Yee</strong> as her role models in and outside of the sport.</p><p>“I really find them really down to earth, really good people, and so good in sports. I think being good outside of triathlon, like being good to people and in everything you do, is really going to pay off, so I really look up to that. I always try to be as friendly as I can,” she said.</p><p>Looking back on her banner year, Kira couldn’t help but feel proud of her progress and growth both as a person and as an athlete.</p><p>“I&#x27;m lucky that looking back every year, I learn something new. I think this year, I really learned how to deal with pressure better, especially now that people are starting to pay attention to how I perform. I think I don&#x27;t let it bother me. I put the most pressure on myself already, so whatever other people say, it&#x27;s nothing compared to what I say to myself. So, I think I manage my emotions and the stress right before the start line, so I&#x27;m a lot calmer now, so I have a clear mind while racing,” the Filipina-British athlete pensively shared.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTBo270k0qW/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A19012998.200000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>New chapter, new season</strong></div><p>She is considered an impressive teen triathlete sensation, but Kira is saying goodbye to her teenage years, especially now that even if she’s only about to turn 20 this coming August, 2025 was actually the last year she’s competing as a junior.</p><p>“I started triathlons as a youth and junior, so saying that I’m no longer a part of that is… I’m so sad. Triathlon works on age by year, so even if I’m 19 and will turn 20 later this year, I’m counted as 20 already,” she shared. </p><p>Kira, starting this year, is now considered a part of the U23 category. U23 triathlon is an “Under 23” age category for elite triathletes, reserved for athletes aged 20 to 23. It is seen as a crucial stepping stone between junior ranks and the main elite field. The new category will enable her to compete for world titles and gain more experience at a different level.</p><p>“It&#x27;s going to be a stronger field, which I&#x27;m really excited for, but also a bit nervous about. But I think change is good, and I want to push myself with those stronger athletes, so that&#x27;s good. I also got a new coach, <strong>Paulo Antunes</strong>, so I&#x27;m going to see how that goes,” she said, clearly excited for her new season as an athlete.</p><p>“My coach is based in Portugal, and he’s super nice. I approached him last year, and he took me in. I really think he could bring out the potential I think I have, and he probably thinks I have more ‘take it out of me because I want it.’ I’m really looking forward to this season and performing in a new field and new races because it does open up more distances for me to try out. This year, 2026, is like everything is new. [I have] everything to anticipate, which is a good feeling to have,” Kira enthusiastically declared.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRyRs8Fj1rY/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A19242927.200000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="926" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Adding to her list of new adventures to take on this year is being the newest face and brand ambassador of <strong>Penshoppe PLAY</strong>, the soon-to-be-launched active wear line of the homegrown clothing brand. </p><p>“When they reached out, I was actually really excited because I’ve never done something like this and they were explaining that Penshoppe PLAY is an active wear and athleisure which is very much suited for me, because one thing that me and my mom really stick by when we do stuff like brand endorsements, we want to make sure it’s tailored to my character,” Kira explained, smiling.</p><p>“It&#x27;s really nice that they made these outfits that are not only comfortable but also well-suited to my style, which I really love. You will only see me wearing sports clothes, and I like that they made these comfortable outfits that I could also just wear outside of a triathlon. If I just want to go on a walk and just around for errands, I could wear it and look stylish,” she continued, adding that during the photo shoot for the campaign, she particularly favored and loved the black tennis skirt and top because wearing a skirt is something new for her.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769501718715kira ellis metrostyle 2.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>In and outside of sports, family is a huge influence on Kira. Kira relaxes by just doing little doodles, taking after her sister’s interests in drawing and painting. It’s not a surprise then that the most valuable advice she received is something that came from her dad.</p><p>“My dad sings this lyric and [his singing] sounds bad, but it has always stuck with me as a kid. ‘Nobody said it was easy,’ and it was this line from Coldplay’s song &#x27;The Scientist.&#x27; My dad&#x27;s very good and so funny because when I would be upset or feel stressed, or I just need to talk about something, or when I&#x27;m down, he always says that line and it&#x27;s true,” she narrated.</p><p>“Nothing is easy, and I think everything good in life isn&#x27;t easy. You have to work for it, and it&#x27;ll eventually come. You just have to enjoy the process and just get through it, and I think that&#x27;s something I kind of stick by,” Kira concluded meaningfully.</p><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos courtesy of <strong>Penshoppe</strong></p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div>

<p>Meet the fresh-faced athlete who’s been making waves and giving honor to the Philippines in the triathlon scene.</p>

Meet the fresh-faced athlete who’s been making waves and giving honor to the Philippines in the triathlon scene.

Kira Ellis on Her Role Models and Her Mindset for the New Season in Her Life as a Triathlete

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Kira Ellis on Her Role Models and Her Mindset for the New Season in Her Life as a Triathlete

Grace Diez

Published Jan 27, 2026 04:45 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 27, 2026 09:43 PM PHT

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