Paris Olympics: Kayla Sanchez upbeat ahead of freestyle semis

Kayla Sanchez, of the Philippines, prepares for her heat in the women’s 100-meter freestyle at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

MANILA, Philippines—Team Philippines’ Kayla Sanchez said her performance in the women’s 100m freestyle heats at the Paris Olympics 2024 was a product of hard work in training.

Sanchez cracked the Top 16 to qualify for the semifinal after placing 10th, clocking in at 53.67 seconds to set the national record.

“My coach and I have been working really diligently on our plan. Every practice, we’re visualizing the race and how it’s going to help me perform better and I think that we were able to execute really, really well. I’m excited to have another opportunity,” said Sanchez in an interview with One Sports.

READ: Paris Olympics: Kayla Sanchez secures spot in freestyle semifinal

“I managed to squeeze through to the semifinals. It was a good swim and I’m excited for tonight.”

Sanchez, who also set a new personal time in the event, won’t have much time to celebrate or rest with the semifinal set at 3:40 a.m. (Manila time).

But the 23-year-old Sanchez is ready for the tougher challenge that awaits and is motivated to make her country and family proud.

“I think that’s the most special part for me. I’m now representing the Philippines. I have my family there and that makes me really happy,” said Sanchez, who was a former member of the Canadian national team.