by: Coach Emer Matienzo
Muntinlupa City—The Distance Swim Series Leg 2, held yesterday, August 10, 2024, at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, was a spectacular showcase of talent, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino swimming community. With more than 500 swimmers from across the country, including participants from as far as Cebu and Palawan, the meet was a celebration of athleticism and dedication in the Class A, B, and C divisions.
The meet, organized by Swim League Philippines, kicked off at 8:00 AM and stretched into the evening, wrapping up at 7:30 PM. The day was packed with thrilling races, particularly in the middle-distance events. Swimmers aged 11 and over competed in the grueling 400-meter freestyle, while the 10 and under swimmers showcased their stamina in the 200-meter freestyle. These events not only tested the swimmers’ speed but also their endurance, making for some exhilarating performances.
Fred Ancheta of Swim League Philippines expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the parents, coaches, and swimmers for their unwavering support. “It’s inspiring to see such dedication from everyone involved. The parents, coaches, and especially the swimmers, have shown tremendous commitment, and we are proud to provide a platform for these young athletes to shine,” said Ancheta.
The event was made possible through the generous support of various sponsors, including Splash n Dash Sports, Symdex-D, Hiromitsu Restaurant, Kalye Apparel, House of Clogs, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, and The Brew House. Their contributions ensured that the competition was not only well-organized but also a memorable experience for all participants.
Throughout the day, several promising young swimmers made their mark, signaling the bright future of Philippine swimming. Among them were Maya Aglibut, Dominique Sevilla, Audrina Victor, Jordane Porsche Sales, Henry Say, Ermalaine Matienzo, Tanya Mae Orijuela, Jairus De Leon, Ethan Joseph Parungao, Alister Arnaldo, Ethan Manuel Elimos, Aishel Evangelista, Gerald Esquivel, and Kiko Mirasol. These swimmers delivered outstanding performances, showcasing their potential to become the next generation of swimming champions.
The competition also featured a fierce battle among the teams, with the top seven clubs receiving beautifully crafted trophies. The Turumba-Guadalupe Swim Team secured 7th place, while the Aqua Sonic Swimming Team finished in 6th. The Behrouz Elite Swim Team clinched 5th place, followed by the Carmona Angel Fish Swim Team in 4th. The Betta Caloocan Swimming Team earned a commendable 3rd place, and the Bulacan Water Dragons Swim Team finished as runners-up. However, it was the Golden Flippers Swim Club that emerged as the overall champion, taking home the prestigious top trophy.
As the sun set on the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, the swimmers, coaches, and families celebrated not just the victories but the spirit of competition and camaraderie that the Distance Swim Series Leg 2 embodied. The energy and excitement from the day’s events will surely carry over to the upcoming novice meet, set to be held next Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Philippine Columbian Association Sports Club in Paco, Manila.
The Distance Swim Series continues to be a pivotal event in the Philippine swimming calendar, providing a platform for swimmers of all levels to test their skills, gain valuable experience, and most importantly, foster a love for the sport. With the conclusion of Leg 2, anticipation is already building for the next leg of the series, where more swimmers will have the chance to make a splash and etch their names in the annals of Philippine swimming history.