Tokyo Games multi-medal winner to swim for Team Phl
Filipino-Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez, winner of one silver and one bronze medals for Canada in the Tokyo Olympics, has decided to represent and compete for the Philippines in future tournaments.
“It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I’m proud to be Filipino,” said Sanchez in yesterday’s briefer at the PhilSports Complex that was attended by Philippine Swimming, Inc. president Lani Velasco.
“If I’m able to inspire young kids and Filipinos in general just to start swimming, it just means a lot to me,” she added.
Sanchez, who was part of the Canadian team that copped the 4x100-meter freestyle relay silver and 4x100m medley relay bronze in the Tokyo Games, however, would need to fulfill some requirements including the minimum 12-month residency and the approval of the International Swimming Federation or FINA for her to don the Philippine colors.
The target is for Sanchez to swim for the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Games where she hopes to deliver the country’s first swimming medal since legendary Teofilo Yldefonso captured a 200m breaststroke bronze in Los Angeles 90 years ago.
“The Philippine Swimming, Inc. welcomes Sanchez with open arms and is committed to helping her achieve her goals in the next few years, including a possible stint at the Paris Olympics in 2024,” said the PSI president, who was with POC deputy secretarygeneral Bones Floro during the welcoming of the new national team member.
“While PSI has always been intent on developing grassroots talent, PSI welcomes with open arms any Filipino based overseas who wishes to represent the Philippines as this is their right,” Velasco added.
“Pride for country is not exclusive to those who remain in the Philippines. In fact, we celebrate each and every Filipino all over the world who raises our flag and brings honor to our country.”
Velasco expressed gratitude to Swimming Canada and Sanchez’ parents Noel and Susana, who trace their roots to Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bicol, respectively.
“Our gratitude goes to Swimming Canada, first of all, for being able to develop Kayla into the successful swimmer that she is today. The environment and resources made available to Kayla in Canada all these years certainly played an important role in making her who she is,” said Velasco.
Just recently, she took two silvers and two bronzes in the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. She also bagged three golds in the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.