Patricia Mae Santor, Ricielle Maleeka Melencio and Aishel Evangelista shared the limelight, winning two gold medals each at the start of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA) National Capital Region ‘One-For-All All-For-One Swimming Championships Friday, May 17, at the Teofilo Ildefonso Swimming Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The 16-year-old Santor, a member of the Philippine Team in the Asian Age Group tilt last February in Clark, topped the girls 16-under 400m Individual Medley in 5:21.84 against Ilustre East Aquatics Club teammate Alyssa Khim Cabatian (5:40.87) and Joana Mae Avergonzado (5:53.81).
The trio got their second podium finish in the 200m freestyle with Santor claiming her second gold, clocking two minutes and 18.47 seconds. Cabatian again finished second at 2:23.04 and Avergonzado was third at 2:23.53.
Melencio, a freshman student at the Ateneo University, bested the field in the girls 18-and over 400m IM (5:30.21) and 200m freestyle (2:17.63), respectively, in the three-day tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PSI) and supported by Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
A two-time SEA Age Group campaigner, Melencio beat Dianna Celyn Cruz (5:45.87) and Shairinne Floriano (5:43.30) in the 400m IM event before topping the 200m free against Samantha Banas (2:21.75) and Dianna Cruz (2:24.99).
But the most dramatic win so far was the twin victories of the 14-year-old Evangelista of the Betta Caloocan Swimming Team.
With the tournament’s proceeds going to her late father and COPA member coach Elcid, Aishel topped the boys 14-years 400m IM (4:53.63) and 200m freestyle (3:03.58), respectively.
The many-time internationalist beat Rio Stephen Coliyat (5:13.24) and Lance Jacob Bautista (5:38.89) in the IM, as well as Coliyat (2:07.36) and Filip Solares (2:18.57) in the 200m.
“Alam ko po masaya si Papa. Masaya ko kahit nakalulungkot na hindi na niya makikita yung mga resulta ng pinaghirapan naming sa training. Bawat langoy dedicated ko sa kanya, kaya pagbubutihan ko pa lalo sa training,” said the young Evangelista.
