Philippine Swimmers Secure Bronze Medals at Asian Age Group Championships in Clark

NEW CLARK CITY — The Philippines garnered two bronze medals on the second day of the 11th Asian Age Group Championships held at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, thanks to the efforts of Heather White and Jamesray Mishael Ajido.

According to Philippines News Agency, 16-year-old White, a Filipino-British swimmer residing in Vietnam, set a personal best of 1:03.09 in the girls’ 15-17 100m butterfly event. The gold medal was claimed by Hoi Ching Yeung of Hong Kong, who set a new meet record of 1:00.50, surpassing the previous record of 1:00.73 set in 2009 by Japan’s Aki Obata. Sze Ki Mok, also from Hong Kong, took silver with a time of 1:02.73.

White, expressing her joy over the victory, remarked on her unexpected success following a fifth-place finish in the 50m freestyle event. Meanwhile, Antipolo City’s Ajido earned the bronze in the boys’ 12-14 50m freestyle, clocking in at 24.34, a personal best and national record for the Philippines. The gold in this event went to Japan’s Toya Hirata, who broke another meet record with a time of 23.21.

Ajido, a Grade 8 student at La Salle Greenhills, dedicated his victory to his family and his faith, highlighting this medal as a special accomplishment for the Philippines. He has previously shown his prowess in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 by winning gold in both the 100m butterfly and 100m backstroke.

The achievements of White and Ajido were recognized by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, who offered his congratulations during a visit to the championships. David Carter, the chief operating officer of the local organizing committee, welcomed Bachmann’s support.

As the championships continued, Japan led the medal tally with a significant lead, followed by Kazakhstan and Thailand. The event has showcased a high level of competition, with numerous records being broken and the Philippines making a notable contribution to the medal count.