Ongjoco lands three gold medals in Thai swim meet

MANILA, Philippines - Sixteen-year-old Batangas swimmer Samuel Gregory Ongjoco won three gold medals in an overwhelming show in his first international performance as he led the siege of Philippine Swim League swimmers in the 14th RSBC Thailand Invitational tournament in Bangkok yesterday.

Ongjoco took the gold in the 100m freestyle in 58 seconds, 100m butterfly in 59.99 seconds and the 50m backstroke in 30.18 seconds in a sparkling debut in Thailand’s biggest ever age group meet which drew over 400 swimmers from 14 teams from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Thailand.

“I was a little bit uncomfortable since it is my first international meet. But then I am inspired to swim my best in all my individual events, and I am happy that I beat all my best time. Now I am proud to be a PSL swimmer after I represented our country and bagged three golds,” said Ongjoco.

The delegation was headed by PSL president Susan Papa, who brought along a new set of swimmers, most of them first timers, to compete abroad..

“We want to expose as many swimmers and coaches as we can. The swimmers are getting better and better each time,” Papa said.

Vince Mikko Dimaano, 13, reigned in the 50m backstroke (31.76) while Jason Ryan Difuntorum finished third (33.21), beating swimmers from China and Singapore.

Ten-year-old Seth Martin gained a silver in the 100m freestyle in 1:10.00. The bronze medal winners were Franchesca Joves and Bhay Newberry (50m back) and Bela Louise Magtibay (100m butterfly) .

On hand to support the team were Noemi Belosillo, DepEd chief of Physical Education and Sports for NCR and regional heads Lafrosa Sagala and Rebecca Patag.