Recent PNAG results lift PSI hopes

The Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) expressed elation over the results of its recent Philippine National Age Group (PNAG) championships after several youngsters set national marks.

Jamesray Mishael Ajido of the Antipolo Gems Sea Scorpions notched two national records after he broke the 50-meter butterfly in the boys’ 11-13 age bracket by registering a time of 27.18 seconds, erasing the 27.75 seconds of Arbeen Miguel Thruelen in 2018. Ajido also reset the boys’ 11-13 200m backstroke mark after clocking 2:20.38, narrowly beating Ivo Nikolai Enot’s 2019 time of 2:20.61.

Joshua Gabriel Ang of the Golden Sea eagles set a national record in the 16-18 years old boys’ 50m butterfly by touching at 25.10 seconds, erasing the mark of 25.43 seconds set by Rafael Barreto back in 2018.

“The success of the PNAG served as an indicator to PSI that the swimming community is ready to get back on track,” said PSI president Lani Velasco. “Our historic exploits in the 30th SEA (Southeast Asian) Games in December 2019, the valiant performance of Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule in the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, the notable swims of our representatives in the Fina (International Swimming Federation) World Swimming Championships (25m) in December 2021, and another historic run especially by our female athletes at the recently concluded 31st SEA Games … have provided our grassroots swimmers with plenty of motivation and hope.”

And with the next SEA Games taking place next year, the PSI is hoping to uncover more gems as it readies for its premier national tournament, the Grand Prix.

“PSI is committed to resuming the Grand Prix, our flagship event for identifying grassroots talent,” Velasco said. “As we enter the second half of 2022, expect more regular events and activities from PSI.”