PH bet Kayla Sanchez vows to work harder after Paris Olympics stint

FILE–Team Philippines’ Kayla Sanchez. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines —Team Philippines’ swimmer Kayla Sanchez vows to bounce back stronger after her 2024 Paris Olympics campaign ended early Wednesday morning (Manila time).

Sanchez placed 15th overall in the women’s 100-meter freestyle semifinals after clocking 54.21 seconds to finish seventh in her group. Only the eight fastest swimmers in the two semifinal legs advanced to the medal round.

Despite not making it to the final, the Filipino-Canadian swimmer remained proud of her Olympic debut for the Philippines and she looks to make the most of her upcoming break to recharge and bring honor to the country in her future international tournaments.

“It’s been a long season. Asian Games in September and the World Championships in February. Now, it’s my summer break so I can kind of take my time to reflect and to refresh the mind and body before the next season,” said Sanchez in an interview with Olympics broadcaster One Sports. 

“Never give up on your dreams and surround yourself with people that love you. Tuloy ang laban (Keep on fighting),” she added.

The 23-year-old Sanchez reset the Philippine record in Heat 4, finishing fourth with a time of 53.67 to enter the semis.

Sanchez hopes her hard work will bring her back to the Olympic podium someday with the Philippines. She won a silver medal in the Tokyo Games three years ago as part of Canada’s 4x100m freestyle team and a bronze as part of the 4×100 medley.

“A lot of emotions I get to have my family watching which is really important to me I know I have the support of all the Filipinos. I’m not super happy with the swim, to be honest. But all I can do is to look forward and just try to be better,” she said. “I just need more confidence in the race. I trained really hard and I’m hoping that it translates one day so I can be up there on the podium.”

“I’m super grateful for the opportunities that I received, I’m super grateful for all the support.”