John Chicano

Prior to becoming a triathlete, Chicano was a cyclist competing in junior competitions. In 2007, he fathered a daughter and had to work in a bicycle shop as a janitor and helper so he could earn a living to support his child. The owner of the bicycle shop was Melvyn Fausto who also works as a coach for the Philippine national triathlon team. Fausto taught Chicano in how to become a bicycle mechanic since he is already a cyclist and later taught him on how to become a triathlete. Prior to training under Fausto, Chicano had no experience in how to swim and had to be taught in swimming for three months. Within a year, Chicano became competitive enough to be able to participate and win races at the Subic International Triathlon. He became a member of the national team in 2009.[2]

Chicano competed at the Southeast Asian Games. He represented the Philippines in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur along with Nikko Huelgas in triathlon. He settled for silver after he helped his compatriot, Huelgas in the cycling leg of the men's triathlon event who eventually won the gold medal. Chicano himself won gold in the 2019 edition hosted at home in the Philippines with the men's triathlon event held in Subic.[2]

Chicano is a father and has a daughter.[2]

• Philippines at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games