Clevic George Daluz of Batangas won three gold medals and shared the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) Awards with four others at the close of COPA-Golden Goggle Leg 1 and 2 at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Center (RMSC) Sunday in Malate, Manila.
The eight-year-old Grade 1 student at the Agustin Ramos Memorial Elementary School in Balayan topped the boys’ 8-years-old class 50-m backstroke after clocking 51.03 seconds and the 100-m breaststroke in 2:01.11.
His twin triumphs was a fitting follow up to his opening day victory in 200-m freestyle (3:36.78) on Saturday in the event powered by Speedo and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and MILO.
“Masaya po ako kasi po nabigyan ko ng medals ang team namin at ang Mama at Papa ko,” said Daluz of the Balayan Tigers Swim Team.
Other triple gold winners were Marcus Pablo, John Rey Lee, Samantha Mia Mendoza and Jamie Aica Summer Sy.
For their feats, they all qualified for the Luzon Championship in August where the top swimmers will clash with the best swimmers from Visayas and Mindanao.
The event was organized by the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. headed by swimming icon and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.
Pablo, who also won the boys’ 7-years-old class 200-m freestyle (4:14.17) on Saturday, struck anew in the 50-m back (1:00.01) and 100-m breast (2:14.28); Lee clinched top honors in the 9-years-old age category after winning the 100-m breast (2:10.26), 50-m back (52.33) and 200-m free (3:17.50).
The pride of Coach King Swimming Team, Mendoza topped the girls’ 8-years Class 100-m breast (2:13.77); 50-m breast (55.29) and 200-m free (3:23.73), while Sy capped her performance in the girls’ 12-years class by winning the 100-m breast clocking 1:41.87. She was also victorious in the 50-m back (38.68) and 200-m free (2:43.10).
“COPA is doing its best for swimming development. After our regional championships for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, meron tayong National Championship in November. We also in close coordination with our friends abroad for an international-flavored event na tayo ang host at hindi yung tayo ang gagastos para bumiyahe pa. Tuloy-tuloy din yung coaches education program natin,” said COPA treasurer and event director Chito Rivera.
Leg 3 and 4 of the tournament resumes on April 22-23.
Other winners are Keisha Blair of Flying Lampasot in the girls 14-yrs class 50-m back (35.39); Marie Rejuso in 15-yrs (34.11); Dane Urquico in 16-yrs (34.38); Fie Dolliente in 17-yrs (35.15); Dianna Cruz in 18-yrs over (33.73);
Ivoh Gantala in the boys 12-yrs 200-m butterfly (3:09.38); Mark Perez in 13-yrs (2:49.41); Clyde Jose in 14-yrs (2:32.29); Antonio Reyes in 15-yrs (2:40.13); Meynard Marcelino in 16yrs (2:23.230; Angelo Sadol in 17-yrs (2:16.76) and Kent Cagape in the 18-over (2:15.08).