Kayla makes waves in SEA Games pool

CHONBURI – Olympian swimmer Kayla Sanchez earned the status as best performer so far for Team Philippines when she ruled the women’s 100m freestyle Friday then the 100m backstroke Saturday in Bangkok.

This solo conquests added to her previous gold in the 4x100m relay – a first for the country in the biennial meet – and a pair of silvers in the 200m free and 50m backstroke, where she also set a new Southeast Asian Games record of 28.47 seconds during the heats.

But for more than becoming the delegation’s first triple-gold winner, the Fil-Canadian felt more pride in having compatriot Heather White beside her at the podium in her pet event.

Sanchez touched first in 54.82 seconds with White, the lead swimmer in the winning 4x100 team, checking in next at 55.36 ahead of Singapore’s Ting Wen Quah, the reigning Games record holder, claimed bronze in 55.60.

“Seeing that Heather (White) also came second and the Philippines finishing 1-2 is a very proud moment. I’m so happy,” said Sanchez, a 24-year-old SEA Games debutant, in a hoarse voice.