Lane to Tokyo goes through PSI

There is a battle for legitimacy going on when it comes to the national swimming federation. But at least one thing is clear: Anyone who wants to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics must go through Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI), which is headed by Lani Velasco.

This after the international swimming federation (Fina) classified the Philippine Southeast Asian Games as a qualifying event for the Tokyo Games—a first for the country.

“We are very grateful that Fina has approved the 30th SEA games as a qualifying meet for the Tokyo Olympics,” Velasco said in a statement. “This unprecedented event is great opportunity for our swimmers in the attainment of our goals in Philippine swimming.”

Velasco thus urged other claimants to the swimming leadership to unite to ensure that the country fields its best swimmers in the Games slated Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“Let us not waste this chance [with] infighting and bickering but instead work in a spirit of unity and cooperation,” Velasco added.

The POC has recently reiterated “an inclusive approach” in selecting members of the national team. But the Olympic body said the tryouts would have to be conducted by the PSI.

In a letter by Fina executive director Cornel Marculescu, the results of the SEA Games swimming events will be basis for the A and B qualifying standard times for Tokyo.