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.