RP swim team mix of young, old

The national swim team seeing action in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Bacolod City next month will most likely be a combination of youth and veterans.

Philippine Amateur Swimming Association president Mark Joseph said he would expect this mix when they come up with the final roster this week.

"We’re going to deliberate on it and come out with the final SEA Games lineup anytime this week," said Joseph, who supervised the Bank of Commerce-sponsored five-day meet, which ended yesterday.

"But it looks like we’re going to have a team of veterans and youngsters in the SEA Games," he added. Lizza Danila, for one, has already booked a return trip to the biennial meet after copping her fifth gold medal in the final day with a victory in the 50-meter freestyle.

Danila, 23, is hoping to win her first gold medal in the 11-nation conclave slated Nov. 27-Dec. 5, after finishing second in the 100-m and 200-m backstroke in the last three SEAG editions but never a gold.

"I hope I win it this time," said Danila, whose other wins came in the 100-m and 200-m backstroke and 100-m and 200-m freestyle.

Jenny Rose Guerrero is also expected to get a slot, particularly in the 100-m breaststroke where she took home a silver medal in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Games.

The same goes with 2004 Athens Olympics veteran Timmy Chua, who continued to lord it over his favorite 100-m breaststroke.

The three will join a big group of Filipino-Americans that include United States-based Miguel Molina, Miguel Mendoza, JB Walsh and Jackie Pangilinan.

The youth will be represented by 13-year-old sensation Denjylie Cordero, who stunned former Olympian Guerrero in the 200-m breaststroke, and teenagers Ryan Arabejo, Michelle Gandionco and Bonus Bordado.

"Like what I’ve said, those who made good in this tournament will have a strong chance to make the team," said Joseph.