By Edwin Rollon
Xiandi Chua underscored her readiness for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games after smashing her own national record at the recently concluded 2025 Australia Short Course Championships.
The 24-year-old standout clocked 4 minutes and 43.19 seconds to clinch second place in the women’s 13-and-over 400-meter individual medley, eclipsing her previous best of 4:43.85 set at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, last December.
Chua trailed home crowd favorite Amelie Smith, 17, who ruled the event in 4:36.67, while 20-year-old Dakoda Matthers placed third with 4:49.30.
Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) secretary-general Eric Buhain congratulated Chua for her latest milestone, calling it an inspiring achievement for Philippine swimming.
“Xiandi continues to prove that she belongs among the best in the region,” said Buhain. “Breaking her own record shows her discipline, hard work, and commitment. This gives us confidence that she can once again deliver for the country in the coming SEA Games.”
Buhain added that Chua’s performance is a good sign for the rest of the national team. “Her record swim sends a strong message — our athletes are ready to challenge the best in Southeast Asia. This is the kind of momentum we need heading into Bangkok.”
Chua will lead the country's campaign after guiding the Philippines to two golds, six silvers, and eight bronzes in the 2023 Phnom Penh SEA Games.
The Australian-trained La Salle alumna reaffirmed her place in the national team after qualifying in five events during the national tryouts last August.
Joining Chua in the Bangkok SEA Games are two-time Olympic medalist and Fil-Canadian Kayla Sanchez, Teia Isabella Salvino, veterans Chloe Isleta and Miranda Renner, as well as first-time Fil-foreigners Gian Santos, Metin Junior Jason Mahmutoglu, Joran Paul Orogoco, Logan Wataru Noguchi, and Heather White.
Completing the lineup are Ivo Nikolai Enot, Quendy Fernandez, Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, and 15-year-old Kyla Louise Bulaga, the youngest member of the team.
“The future of Philippine swimming is bright,” Buhain stressed. “With seasoned champions like Xiandi and Kayla leading the way, and young talents such as Bulaga and Mojdeh coming up, we are looking at a well-balanced team that can compete with the region’s best.”
