Isleta, Chua lead charge in National swimming tryouts

MANILA, Philippines — The most decorated juniors and elite swimmers as expected dominated the final day of the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts yesterday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

World Championship campaigners Chloe Isleta and Xiandi Chua and top juniors Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Heather White, and Jamesray Ajido sparkled as expected in the event serving as tryouts for the Philippine team to the 11th Asian Age Group Championships on Dec. 3-6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Isleta, the 25-year-old Arizona University mainstay, captured four gold medals, while the 24-year-old Chua dominated two events.

Isleta, competing under the banner of One Ilocos Sur Swim Team coached by former Olympian Ryan Arabejo, topped the girls 18-over 100m backstroke (1:04.04),  100m freestyle (56.86), 200m freestyle (2:04.57) and 200m Individual medley (2:18.06), while Chua struck in the girls 18-over 50m back (30.20), and 50m free (26.06).m

“We’re happy to see them joining the tryouts. Umuwi sila from US para ipakita ang kahalagahan ng slots sa national team na kailangang mong paghirapan at hindi maaaring makuha dahil seeded ka,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.