US-based swimmer Miguel Molina said the new Speedo swim suits will see more records broken right in the heats as he goes up against the world’s fastest swimmers led by American Michael Phelps who is in his best shape to win another gold, break another mark and stay on track for the highest prize as the greatest swimmer of all time.
“The new suits apparently have produced fast times, but in terms of training, I have become faster,” said Molina, who is competing in the 200m breaststroke in the second heat at 8 p.m. today and 200m individual medley tomorrow at the Water Cube.
Molina will be wearing the Arena swim suit, which its distributor Planet Sports, says employs the same technology as the Speedo version.
“My basic input during my training was improve basic techniques in the backstroke. I have improved my stamina and I’m getting stronger and faster in the water,” said Molina.
Against the best of the world, the Filipino Southeast Asian Game most outstanding athlete has set a modest goal – to improve his mark of 2:16.62 in the 200m breaststroke and set a new norm in the Southeast Asian Games.
He also aims to go under two minutes in his pet event,the 200m IM.
“The idea is have more confidence, be more consistent and get relaxed,” said the SEA Games quadruple gold medalist.
“I cannot control what the swimmer at my right or left can do. What I can control is what I swim. If I place first or last is not up to me,” said Molina, who added that he hasn’t thought up any plans beyond Beijing.
“I’m treating it like it’s my last in Beijing. I’ve to get on with my life and get a job. It depends on how I swim here whether I’d continue or not,” said the second-time Olympian, who turned 24 last month.
His qualifying time in the 200m IM is 2:03.22 set in the Japan Open last year.
“It’s a good heat. There are swimmers faster than him, but I guess he will improve his time and that will be a new Philippine record,” said swimming president Mark Joseph.