Siblings Jilian Celestine and JB Matthew Bata of Megakraken Swim Team from Iloilo City dominated their respective age-group classes to emerge as the Most Outstanding Swimmers at the close of 2022 FINIS Long Course National Championship on Sunday at the New Clark Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac.
The 14-year-old Jilian captured the gold medals in the girls’ 13-14 class 100m back (1:19.61), 50m fly (34.44), 100m fly (1:21.39) and 50m back (34.93), while finishing second in the 200m IM (3:03.75), 100m breast (1:44.20), and 50m free (31.61) to top her age bracket with an accumulated 68 points.
His younger brother JB Matthew excelled in the boys’ 11-12 100m back (1:19.67), 50m back (36.07) and 50m butterfly (35.30), aside from bagging the silver in the 200m IM (2:58.76), 100m fly (1:29.43), 100m breast (1:31.48), and 50m free (31.60) for a total 66 points in the culmination of FINIS’ yearend program and activities.
Dr. Maricel Bata, a dentist and mother of the Batas, however, had mixed feelings following the achievements of her children, who both dream of becoming a member of the Philippine Team and swim in the Olympics.
“Masayang, medyo malungkot at nalilito,” said Dr. Bata. “Just received an information that somebody in the Iloilo Province Team currently playing in the Philippine Sports Commission-organized Batang Pinoy in Vigan, Ilocos Sur have used the name of my son as one of its swimming participants,” said Dr. Bata.
Dr. Bata said she is just collecting pieces of evidence from multiple sources before filling an official complaint against the culprit to the PSC.
“Right now, nanawagan po kami sa PSC kay PSC chairman (Noli Eala) na tignan po itong isyu sa anak ko. It’s a clear identity theft,” said Dr. Bata.
Also the recipient of MOS awards were Trixie Ortiguera of Tarlac Aquatics Swim Club, who garnered 78 points in the girls’ 15-16 class after winning the 100m backstroke (1:11.26), 50m fly (30.78) 50m free (28.86), 200m IM (2:43.28), 100m fly (1:15.45) and 50m back (32.30). She also took bronze in the 100m breast (1:31.92).
Six-year-old Kail Dominic Kahulugan of Kidapawan Long Wave Swim Team added two more golds in the 100m fly (2:05.06), and 50m fly (56.02), while Gideon Ancheta of Marikina Poseidon Swimming clinched the gold in the boys’ 7-8 100m backstroke (2:05.06) and 50m fly (46.32).
The Megakraken Swim Team was awarded as the best team with a series combination points of 894.50, followed by the Tarlac Aquatics Swim Club (355.50), Sharpeedo Swim Team (336), Aqua Dragon Swim Team (207) and Aklan Swimming Club (203).
FINIS Philippines Managing Director Vince Garcia awarded the certificates, trophies and medals to all the winners and expressed his gratitude to all swim clubd, coaches, officials and swimmers for their support and effort for the success of the brand’s program this year.
“Asahan ninyo na mas marami at malalaking tournament ang io-organize ng FINIS next year. Enjoy the holidays and see you all next year,” said Gacia.