Age-groupers dreaming of SEA Games stints

PHNOM PENH—The Philippines’ success in the 43rd Southeast Asia Age Group swimming championships here showed there is no shortage of talent in the juniors’ pool.

The young tankers swam to their best finish in the 10-nation tournament since 2010, plucking eight gold, 13 silver and nine bronze medals in the three-day meet.

And with the Southeast Asian Games coming up, this year’s age group medalists are hoping to get a shot at representing the Philippines in a grander stage later this year.

Desirae Mangaoang, who shone the brightest among the Filipino bets over the weekend with three gold (50m breast, 200m breast, 4×100 medley relay) and silver (100m breast) medals, said she would be honored to carry the flag in the SEA Games.

“I’d be really excited (if I got the chance), that’s really a big meet and I’d really like to represent,” said the promising Fil-American athlete, who shattered the national mark in the 50m breast previously held by Imelda Wistey (2015) and Thanya Dela Cruz (2017) with a 33.20 swim on Friday.

Georgia Peregrina, another national team newbie who bagged a gold (100m back) silver (200m IM) and two bronze (400 IM, 200m back) medals, is also eager to help the nationals in the biennial regional meet if given the chance.

“It is my goal and to win a medal over there in the 200m backstroke and I think it’s gonna be really exciting if I make the team especially that it’s gonna be in the Philippines this year,” said the 18-year-old Fil-Australian, who earlier this year broke Akiko Thompson’s women’s national record of 2:16.44 in the event with an effort of 2:16.33.

But odds are tougher for these junior swimmers in the SEA Games where they will face older and more seasoned competitors.

Jerard Jacinto, the Philippines’ top backstroke bet who got top finishes in the 50m and 100m events here, said the challenge just makes him want to push himself harder.

“It’s not an age-group event anymore (SEA Games) so that’s why I’m going to torture my body and sacrifice everything because if I ever win, it’s going to be cemented in the books. It’s not often that a junior’s member can win,” said Jacinto.

Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco commended the swimmers for their gritty performance, which surpassed last year’s medal tally, in the swimfest.

“Our swimmers and coaches have worked very hard and persevered—putting in long hours of training and making personal sacrifices to attain this level of achievement,” she said.

“I am so proud of this amazing achievement and am confident that this is only the beginning of more good things to come.”