Five-year-old Justin Junio make history as youngest person to cross Mactan Channel

Justin Daniel P. Junio etched his name in history as the youngest person ever to cross a channel, swimming non-stop from the Lapu-Lapu City Muelle Osmeña boat terminal in Mactan Island to Mandaue City and back yesterday morning.

The five-year-old wonder kid from Bayanban, Pangasinan negotiated the three-kilometer stretch of Mactan Channel for almost two hours.

Justin's accomplishment was so touching that the large throng of supporters and a bunch of mediamen burst into frenzied celebration when he completed his amazing journey at 9:36 am. He plunged into the chilly and rough waters of Mactan Channel at 7:38 am.

There were no signs of fatigue nor exhaustion after Justin made the incredible feat that will possibly land in the Guinness Book of World Records.

When asked by reporters if he was happy about his extraordinary achievement, Justin just kept on nodding his head while enjoying a sip of his favorite Alaska chocolate milk drink.

"I'm speechless. I'm so overwhelmed," blurted out Justin's mother Velena.

Justin, who was joined by his coach Jairulla Jaitulla, and eight other escorts that include champion triathlete Nonoy Jopson and some members of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, reached the Ouano wharf at 7:57 am.

Justin then proceeded to the San Miguel Corporation depot where he arrived at 8:16 am before going back to Muelle Osmeña.

Justin and his team, however, were forced to sidetrip to the General Milling Corporation (GMC) wharf before heading back to their point of origin because of the strong and treacherous current.

Justin, whose wet suit and bathing cap kept him warm under the cold temperature of the seawaters, attained a feat that many swimmers even several times his age just dream of achieving.

"What Justin did is for the country. His feat is for the entire Filipino nation. Long live the Philippines," exclaimed retired Air Force colonel Florencio Junio, Justin's very supportive father.

Florencio said the idea of letting his boy cross the Mactan Channel came about when he learned of the seven-year-old American Braxton Bilbrey, who became the youngest person to swim all the way from Alcatraz Island to the shores of San Francisco covering a distance of 2.25 kilometers in May.

But Florencio clarified that his son is just demonstrating his skills and not competing with anybody.

Alaska Milk Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr., who threw his all-out support to Junio's quest for glory, was as proud as the parents of Justin.

"We're very proud of Justin. I mean, what he did today is really fantastic. He achieved his dream," said Uytengsu, the chief backer of the Project Mactan Channel which battlecry is "Go For Your Dream!"

Uytengsu originally wanted to swim together with Junio, but the sports-minded businessman did not push through with his plans.

Still, Uytengsu was on hand to lend Junio the needed moral support as he closely followed the boy's epic expedition to swimming stardom on board the rubber boat of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Justin displayed courage and he never showed any signs of giving up.

"He's a persistent kid. He's not the type who easily gives up. Even if you let him swim again, he will do it," said Jaitulla, a legendary Olympic swimmer.

But there were some tense moments before Justin's record-breaking attempt. A few minutes after his arrival at Muelle Osmeña, Justin threw up the milk he earlier consumed as breakfast.

"We we're a bit worried after he vomited because the event might not push through," said Jaitulla. "After that, I approached Justin and told him we will just go home, but he said, No! I'm going to swim."

A very eager Justin easily proved that by jumping off the seawater right after stripping off his jacket and pants to the surprise of his father.

"I thought he was just warming up. I was surprised when I found out that it's already the start of his swim," said Florencio.

For Jaitulla, there's no doubt in his mind Justin will be a champion swimmer someday.

"I see a very big potential in him. He already knows how to swim even before he can walk. He even cries if we won't let him swim," said Jaitulla. "Soon, he will be into competitive swimming and I believe he has the making of a champion swimmer."