MANILA – Competing for international experience and with modest expectations, Jie Angela Mikaela Talosig surprised herself with a bronze at the close of the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Championships off Boracay Newcoast in Aklan.
A mainstay of the De La Salle University varsity swimming team, the 20-year-old Talosig had a memorable international debut with a time of one hour, 18 minutes and 57 seconds for third place in the women's 20-years-and-above division.
"Honestly, I just wanted to experience competing at the international level so to win a bronze medal for my efforts and in front of a hometown crowd at that is a pleasant surprise," Talosig said.
"This is truly a nice feeling," added the swimmer, who won gold in the women's 800-meter freestyle and bagged two bronzes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 held at New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
Indonesia's Nadya Sirasawati won in 1:07.23 while Thailand's Musikul Hirunhas (1:09.15) settled for silver.
Also bagging a bronze in the girls’ 12-13 3km contest was Julia Jewels Pobleto, who clocked 50:40 behind Thais Kanchana Konsub (47:16) and Aliyah Sawangmun (49.48).
"This hosting was just a dress rehearsal for more international open water events," Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Patrick Gregorio said.
"What is important is that we not only provide a vehicle in promoting sports tourism but also expose our local athletes by competing with the best athletes from overseas as we have the hometown support to inspire them to do their best," he added.
Philippine Aquatics, Inc. secretary-general Eric Buhain thanked the PSC and all the participants for the successful three-day tournament.
"With the gloomy weather before the meet, we feel relieved that the elements cooperated and that we had three straight days of ideal sunny weather for our competition. We could not have asked for more," Buhain said.
"Our hats off to PSC Chairman Pato for fully supporting to stage the championships, opening opportunities for even bigger open water international swimming meets in the future." (PSC Media)
