Alkhaldi, Chua igigiya ang Philippines team sa World Championships

MANILA, Philippines — Babanderahan ni two-time Olympian Jasmine Al­khaldi ang Philippine na­tional swimming team sa 17th World Aquatics Championship sa Hulyo 23-30 sa Fukuoka, Japan.

Makakasama ng 30-anyos na si Alkhaldi sina Southeast Asian Games re­cord-holder Xiandi Chua, Thanya Dela Cruz, Jerard Ja­cinto at US-based Jarod Hatch.

“The presence of the world’s top swimmers makes this tournament a fierce competition, no doubt about it,” sabi ni Phi­­lip­pine Swimming, Inc. (PSI) sec­re­tary-general at Batangas Rep. Eric Buhain.

“But our athletes are out to experience the atmos­phere in a high-level tournament, try to improve their personal best time, and sharpen their skills,” dagdag pa ng swimming icon at Philippine Sports Hall of Famer.

Si Olympian Ryan Ara­bejo ang itinalagang coach ng kauna-unahang ko­ponan na ilalahok sa in­ternational competition.

“Objective is to get the highest World Aquatics Points thru their best perfor­mance and get a chance to compete in the Paris Olympics. We’re hoping for the best for our swimmers,” wika ni Buhain.

Kuwalipikado ang mga Pinoy tankers sa taunang event base sa kanilang mga FINA points na naka­mit mula sa mga nilahukang torneo na may basbas ng World Aquatics.

Sasabak si  Alkhald sa women’s 50-meter freestyle kung saan siya may personal best time na 27.02 at sa 100m butterfly na mayroon siyang 1:00.45 na naitala niya sa pagkuha ng silver medal sa 2023 Cambodia SEA Games noong Mayo.

Lalangoy ang 21-an­yos na si Chua sa 400m medley at 200m backstroke kung saan siya may pinakamalakas na tsansa.

Nanalo ang Ateneo student ng ginto sa Cambodia SEA Games sa bilis na 2:13.20 sa women’s 200m backstroke para wasakin ang meet record na 2:13.64 ni Nguyen Thi Anh Vien ng Vietnam noong 2017 edition sa Jakarta, Indonesia.