Cebuano tankers make waves in Taiwan swimfest

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuano athletes under the Visayas Integrated Schools Swimming Association (VISSA) made a big splash in the Citi International Invitational Swimming Competition over the weekend in Taipei, Taiwan.

Loren Dale Echavez of the University of San Carlos (USC) powered Cebu’s successful campaign with three individual golds through the 50m and 100m freestyle and the 200m butterfly undet the girls 15-17 age bracket. She also hauled two more gilts in the relay events.

Ray Lester Tungala and Cynthjune Goden, both teammates of Echavez, also came out of the pool flashing golden smiles. Tuganla fished out two golds, three silvers and two bronzes, while Goden swam her way to one gold and three bronzes.

Maria Montessori International School’s Gian Gonzaga contributed one gold and a bronze.

Seven other USC tankers chipped in medals in the likes of Loren Dale’s siblings Alexander with four bronzes and Ara Denise with a bronze, Jebb Lynus Cane with four bronzes, Rozelle Marie, Bianca Marie Diaz, Keith Ocampo, and Gervilyn Cadimas with one bronze each.

Jorgina Cane and Patricia Loren of St. Theresa’s College wound up with a bronze each, while Kaitlin Capacio and John Beltran of the University of San Jose-Recoletos seized two bronzes apiece.

Except for Loren Dale and Alexander Echavez, the rest of the Cebu bets are first-timers in an international swimming meet.

Although no records were broken, coach Condrad “Bas” Ceballos said his wards have shown a very promising performance as they were able to improve their personal best time.   (FREEMAN NEWS)