Ajido, Sy ride crest in PAI National meet

MANILA, Philippines — Asian junior record holder Jamesrey Mishael Ajido and multi-titled internationalist Mishka Sy led the early winners at the start of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Age-Group Championships yesterday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

Coming off from a shoulder injury sustained during the Asean School Games tryouts last month, the 15-year-old Ajido claimed the gold in boys’ 15-under Class A 200-meter freestyle, clocking two minutes and 00.42 seconds in beating Ashton Clyde Jose of Leviathan Swim Club (2:07.63) and Zoilo Larrazabal of Rising Atlantis (2:08.00).

Sy, Ajido’s teammate at FTW Royals Swim club, became the meet’s first double winner, claiming the gold in the girls’ 17-over Class A 400-m Individual Medley (5:17.43) and 200-m freestyle (2:13.14).

PAI secretary-general and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain led officials and guests in a moment of silence as the swimming community paid tribute to the late PAI executive director and coach Francisco “Chito” Rivera before the opening event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Speedo.