Chua makes big splash in Adelaide

MANILA, Philippines — Xiandi Chua, gold winner and record holder in the women’s long-course 200-meter backstroke of the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, set a new Philippine record during the Australian Short-Course Swimming Championships yesterday in Adelaide, Australia.

The 23-year-old senior Business Entrepreneur student at the De La Salle placed third in the second of three heats in the 400m individual medley by clocking 4:45.41. Tara Kinder of Melbourne Victoria Club won the heat in 4:41.95 and Amelie Smith of ROCKC was second in 4:44.09.

Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) executive director Anthony Reyes said Chua broke the old Philippine mark of 4:46.08 set by Georgina Peregrina in the New Zealand National Championships in 2018.

The veteran internationalist also surpassed the Qualifying Time Standard for the World Cup Short Course Championship slated Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary.

“On behalf of PAI president Miko Vargas, the PAI leadership extends our heartfelt congratulations to Xiandi (Chua). Her latest success will inspire young swimmers and her teammates for the coming World Cup series,” said PAI secretary-general and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.