THE Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) is celebrating the strong performance of the National Swim Team at the recent World Aquatics-sanctioned World Cup Qualifying Series (short course) in Singapore.
Xiandi Chua, the 2023 Southeast Asian Games 200m backstroke champion, clinched additional slots for the World Cup Championships in Budapest, Hungary, by achieving the Qualifying Time Standard (B) in the 200m backstroke (2:09.71) and 400m Individual Medley (4:45.41).
Her 400m IM time broke Georgina Peregrina’s Philippine record.
Joining Chua at the World Cup is Chloe Isleta, the 2022 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist. Isleta secured her spots with impressive times in the 100m Individual Medley (1:01.59) and 100m backstroke (59.80).
The Philippine team also set new national records, with Joshua Ang in the 100m butterfly (53.65 seconds); Rian Marco Adiong Tirol in the 50m breaststroke (27.56 seconds) and Miranda Renner in the 50m butterfly (26.75 seconds).
PAI Secretary General Eric Buhain expressed pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges and celebrating their achievements. He emphasized the team’s dedication and potential for future success.
“We’re far from our ultimate goal, but we’re moving in that direction. What we’re experiencing right now is the usual lows and highs of any sport, we win some and lose some. Wins like this, however small, are still important to us because it means we’re capable of giving out the best shots at any opportunity. The road to success is never easy, but our swimmers are taking that road,” said Buhain.
