Rule bags 2 more golds, Gebbie nearly resets fly mark

Luke Gebbie Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Capas, Tarlac—Remedy Alexis Rule has practically locked up a berth in the national swim team, bagging two more gold medals Tuesday, even as Luke Gebbie almost shattered a decade-old record in his pet event at the 1st Philippine National Open Swimming Championships here.

After ruling her favorite events—the 50m and 100m freestyle—Rule capped a scintillating performance with a golden double in the 50-meter backstroke and 50m butterfly on the final day of competitions at New Clark City Aquatic Center.

“My goal was to win all my events and achieve faster times,” said Rule.

Rule was the most bemedalled tanker in the four-day national open that serves as a tryout for national team hopefuls for the Southeast Asian Games later this year.

Gebbie nearly erased the 24.71-second national record of Daniel Coakley in the men’s 50m fly in 2009 when he touched the wall in 24.72 seconds.

“I almost had it, but I’m still happy with my swim,” said Gebbie after capturing three golds following his feats in the men’s 50m and 100m free.

According to Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco, the local swimming association will form the Philippine team to the swim competitions of the SEA Games from the winners of the four-day national tournament.