IF attitude alone determines altitude then there should be no problem for Sgt. Andrico Mahilum and Sandi Abahan as their attitude overcame altitude among other challenges to each win a world championship.
They’re the best in the world until somebody beats them in Altitude OCR (Obstacle Course Race). Both athletes successfully competed at the recent Altitude OCR World Championships held in Mount Everest in Nepal.
To put things into context and perspective, according to the world obstacle website, www.worldobstacle.org, “Altitude Obstacle Course Races are events held in high altitude environments. Races achieve a minimum altitude above sea level of 2,438 meters (8,000 ft) with obstacles included throughout the course. Altitude is defined on the following scale: High altitude: 8,000 to 12,000 feet (2,438 to 3,658 meters).”
Army Sgt. Mahilum trained in Baguio City for eight months to prepare himself for the challenges that is Everest and Sandi had injury after coming at her up until four months before the world championships.
Andrico and Sandi went up against a world-class field. Both athletes still have lingering physical effects from the competition. It has taken a toll on their physical health. The Altitude Obstacle Race is neither for the faint of heart nor for everyone. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.