Alkhaldi hints at retirement after winning SEAG bronze in swimming

Jasmine Alkhaldi. INQUIRER File photo

SINGAPORE — Jasmine Alkhaldi is graduating from college next year, and she soon might graduate from competitive swimming altogether.

The statuesque beauty, who is just turning 22 on June 20, hinted at retirement Monday night right after winning her second bronze in the Southeast Asian Games at OCBC Aquatics Hall here.

READ: Bronze medals for PH swimmers Alkhaldi, Hall

“I will try,” said Alkhaldi when asked if she will still pursue swimming when she finishes her marketing and communication degree at University of Hawaii next year.

However, the Beijing Olympian just might give it a shot in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics before calling it a career.

Though she can’t help but notice the faster times in competitions where just about every gold medalist here end up submitting record times.

“They are very strong right now,” said Alkhaldi of the opposition. But the long-time Filipina swimmer said she’s still happy with her 56.10 seconds clocking in 200-meter freestyle.

READ: Alkhaldi moves on after swim fiasco

“Of course I was after the gold, but I got a medal and the time,” said Al-Khadi who improved her 1:02 time personal best in her per event.

The event gave her heartache two years ago in Burma when she won gold but was later stripped from her. She ended up winning bronze in the re-swim.

“I have that in mind that’s why I’m nervous,” said Alkhaldi.

And when she could only place third behind the raging Quah Ting Wen of Singapore and Nguyen Thi Anh Vien of Vietnam, she said: “Siyempre ouch (of course it hurts) but it’s my best time so it’s okay with me.”

She still has three more events in the competitions in the coming days.