Kayla Sanchez surprised by reception to Team PH after Olympics

Team Philippines’ swimmer Kayla Sanchez (second from the left) during the Heroes parade for the Filipino athletes after the Paris Olympics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kayla Sanchez gave a valiant effort in the Paris Olympics 2024’s women’s 100m freestyle competition and the Philippines surely let her know that her efforts were well appreciated.

During the official homecoming of Team Philippines back to home soil on Tuesday, Sanchez was overcome with emotions after seeing the fans welcome her and the entire pool of Filipino athletes who competed in Paris.

“This is something I’ve never experienced before,” said Sanchez with a wide smile at Newport World Resorts.

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

“The support before my race, I could feel it through the screen online. My family told me how much support I was getting and I wanted to compete at my best and I know I can always move forward and I can always get better.”

Sanchez in Manila arrived earlier than Carlos Yulo and company and since she landed in the Philippines, she received nothing but love.

“I was shocked. I didn’t know the extent of these welcome celebrations so to see the kids, the fans, the band, media, families, it was so special,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez advanced to the Paris Olympics women’s 100m freestyle semifinals, and  did it in style too, finishing as the tenth best swimmer in the qualifications after clocking in 53.67 seconds in her swim.

Her tremendous swim time broke her personal and even set a new Philippines standard in the women’s 100m freestyle.

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

Unfortunately, Sanchez was unable to crack through the Finals and ended her Olympic campaign as a semifinalist.

Fret not, as Sanchez assured Filipinos that Paris is only the beginning, stating she has next year’s Southeast Asian Games in mind already.

Before she fully prepares for the regional meet, though, she will enter University in hopes of attaining academic success as well as professional triumph.

“I’m going in the right direction and [for] SEA Games 2025, I’ll have a lot of time and I’m excited to go there, race as much as I can and win medals.”

“I’m very confident. I’ll also start University and that’s something I’m doing for myself. I want to get my degree, I want to study nursing and have the opportunity to train with my coach and the team supporting me. I’m so excited for this next chapter of my life.”