USJ-R swimmer sets MILO record

CEBU, Philippines - John Michelson Beltran of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) carved his name as the first record-breaker via the swimming event of the 15th Milo Little Olympics Visayas Finals at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday.

Beltran clocked in two minutes and 34.37 seconds to set a new meet record in 200m individual medley, erasing the previous mark of 2:38.22 held by Jabe Cane.

Since joining the MILO when he was still in first grade, it’s the first time that Beltran became a record-breaker. His determination never wavered and he just kept on improving his skills until he finally basked in the glow of success.

“This is beyond my expectations. All I wanted was to win, but not necessarily the record.This is also my best time for this event,” said Beltran.

More than wanting to set a record, Beltran was also motivated by the disqualification of his younger brother Joshua in the said event.

Beltran’s victory gave his coach Jesus Suerte, Sr. a sigh of relief as USJ-R’s other wards failed in their first assignments. Only Beltran out of the first 14 events, so far, managed to win a medal.

Two other highly-motivated young swimmers from UC in Kirk Ebon and Michael Ichiro Kong posted a one-two finish in the elementary boys 200m IM. Ebon even rose above expections by claiming three golds.

Meanwhile, no particular school has been dominating well in the pool.

The first day of action saw defending champion University of Cebu on top with four golds, six silvers and two bronzes, showing it all that the Webmasters are not about to give up their throne so easily.

The University of San Carlos is at second with one gold, two silvers and three bronzes, while USJ-R, Dumaguete Science High School, St. Paul and Cebu Institute of Technology University shared the third spot with one gold each.

In the elementary level, CITU is on top with a 3-1-1 gold-silver-bronze medal haul followed by USC with 2-2-1 and Cebu Eastern College with two golds. Defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu has two silvers, so far. (FREEMAN NEWS)