FOR Jarrod Hatch, his goal to represent the Philippines in the swimming meet of the Paris Olympics is close to getting accomplished.
“I’m happy. I’m almost there,” said the 25-year-old Hatch, who will plunge into action in his main event in the men’s 100-meter butterfly and in a secondary event, which is the 100-meter freestyle.
Hatch added that he has been looking forward to the day that he will compete, and he won’t say that he has done anything significant until has plunged into the pool.
Action in the men’s 100-meter freestyle will happen with the heats on July 30, before his primary event, the 100-meter butterfly, takes place on Aug. 2.
“I’m not gonna say that I did it until I get into that pool. I’ve talked to my parents, talked to my family on the phone. This just give me chills,” added Hatch on his being in the Games.
Hatch made it to the Summer Olympics in Paris under the universality rule, along with Kayla Sanchez.
He holds the Philippine national record for the men’s 100m butterfly, after clocking 52.87 seconds in the heats of the 2023 World Aquatics Championships.
Earlier, Hatch came out of retirement in late 2022, taking part in the national trials in February 2023.
From his participation in the national trials, Hatch went on to earn a berth for the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
Two bronze medals in the 100m butterfly and 50m fly events and a silver in the 4x100m mixed relay team made his decision to unretire a worthwhile decision and experience.
