Swimmer Kayla Sanchez wrapped up what many believe to be just the start of her promising Philippine career.
Following her 15th-place performance out of 16 semifinalists in the women's 100-meter freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena, Sanchez, 23, bid goodbye to her first Olympic Games. With a time of 54.21 seconds, Sanchez fell short of the top-eight qualifying mark for the championship round.
Gretchen Walsh of the USA made the cut at eighth place, finishing over a second ahead of Sanchez for the quarterfinal position.
Memorable start for Team Philippines
Sanchez made sure to bring the same fervor and devotion to the Philippines after becoming a Filipino in 2022, having competed for Canada and helped them win two medals at the Olympics in Tokyo.
The 23-year-old showed off her winning form in Heat 4, finishing in 53.67 seconds, which was enough to propel her into the Top 16 and make the country believe that they could earn a medal in swimming.
Her performance in Heat 4 also resulted in her breaking the previous national record for the Philippines in the 100-meter women's freestyle.
Striving to be better
Sanchez, who was born in Singapore to Filipino parents, competed for Canada from 2016 until 2022 before deciding to represent the Philippines.
Sanchez is the country’s best shot for a swimming medal in the Olympics as the Philippines has never reached the podium since Teofilo Yldefonso in 1928 and 1932.
“I just need more confidence in the race. I trained really hard and I’m hoping it translates one day so I can be up there on the podium,” Sanchez said.
