By Edwin Rollon
CAPAS, Tarlac — Familiar names dominated the pool as the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI)-organized National Age-Group Championships kicked off Friday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, but the opening day saw both competition and grief following the sudden death of long-time swimming coach and PAI Technical Director Richard Gonzales Luna.
Luna, 61, suffered a heart attack during a regular coaches’ meeting early in the morning before the start of the competition. Paramedics administered emergency aid before rushing him to the hospital by ambulance, where he was declared dead on arrival.
“It’s a mix of emotions here. The crowd is ecstatic as parents and supporters cheer for their swimmers, but there is also grief on the ground. Coach Richard is a big loss for Philippine swimming,” said PAI Secretary General Eric Buhain.
In the pool, Kyla Bulaga of Ilocos Norte showcased her readiness for international competition, winning three gold medals to lead a roster of familiar podium finishers. The meet serves as a selection event for teams that will compete in various international tournaments this year, including the Southeast Asian Age-Group Championships in Singapore.
Bulaga, 16, the youngest member of the Philippine team in last year’s Southeast Asian Games, topped the girls’ 16 division in the 200-meter butterfly (2:25.78), 200-meter breaststroke (2:43.18), and her favored 800-meter freestyle (9:44.99).
“Kyla showed maturity and focus on her races. She’s proving that she’s ready again for the international stage,” Buhain said. “Her performance sets the tone for the younger swimmers aiming to make the national team.”
The OISST standout was the lone 16-year-old finalist in the 200m butterfly. She also bested Krystal David of GSE (2:50.05) and Elena Rodriguez (2:51.67) in the 200m breaststroke, and held off Liana Rodriguez of PSSC (9:53.70) and SEA Games open water campaigner Pia Ato (10:00.91) in the 800m freestyle.
Other winners on Day 1 of the three-day meet, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Speedo, and MVP Sports Foundation, included Riannah Coleman, 17, of DAX, who ruled the girls’ 17 division 200m breaststroke in 2:39.32, beating Taylor Saliba of AAD (2:46.81) and Kristine Uy of PSSC (3:02.16).
Fellow National Academy of Sports student Shinloah San Diego, 18, captured the girls’ 18 division title in 2:59.60, edging Riza Nadunza (3:00.43).
UAAP standout Aishel Evangelista, 16, topped the boys’ 16 division 200m breaststroke in 2:33.86, defeating Rickjireh Labor of OISST (2:36.29) and Marky Alazo of SWAG (2:42.84).
In the 19-and-over category, Southeast Asian Games record holder Xiandi Chua dominated the women’s 100m freestyle in 58.59 seconds, ahead of Trixie Ortiguerra (59.77) and Quendy Fernandez (1:00.92). Jasmine Mojdeh, meanwhile, won the 800m freestyle in 9:27.55, beating Rio Balbuena (10:17.23) and Dianne Cruz (10:21.85).
Buhain said the strong showing of established and rising swimmers reflects the depth of the country’s talent pool.
“We are seeing both experienced and young swimmers stepping up. That’s very encouraging for the future of Philippine swimming,” he said. “These results will help us form a competitive team for upcoming international meets.”
For the complete results, visits Philippine Aquatics, Inc. official website www.philippineaquatics.com and facebook page.
