Jerard Jacinto sets new PH record for 100m backstroke

FILE – Jerard Jacinto during the 2019 SEA Age Group Swimfest in Cambodia. Photo by Celest Flores-Colina

MANILA, Philippines—Swimming Jerard Jacinto narrowly missed the semifinals of the men’s 50-meter backstroke in 2019 the Fina World Junior Championships in Budapest, just a couple of days after breaking the Philippine record in the 100-meter backstroke.

The 18-year-old prodigy tapped the wall at 26.34 seconds in the 50-meter backstroke, finishing 25th overall in the heats while fellow Filipino Jade Olson came 18th at 26.18 seconds Thursday.

Only the top 16 swimmers from the heats were able to qualify for the semifinals.

Last Tuesday, Jacinto reset Philippine record in the 100-meter backstroke shared by Olson and swimming legend Ryan Papa (56.48).

The teenage sensation clocked in at 56.27 seconds in the 100-meter back event but missed the cut for the 16-man semifinals after finishing at 22nd. Italy’s Thomas Ceccon ultimately took the gold.

Their performances will are expected to boost their bid for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games which start November 30.