Ortiguerra steals spotlight in Philippine Aquatics national tryouts

MANILA, Philippines – Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of the most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila on Saturday.

The 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Sto. Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City beat Vietnam-based and two-time World Junior campaigner Heather White in what could be the most intense duel in the girls 15-17 50m backstroke.

The three-day tournament serves as the final selection process for the 44-man Philippine team set to participate in the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship, which the country will host from December 3-6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Ortiguerra submitted a time of 31.20 seconds ahead of White, who finished second at 32.27.
 
“Masayang-masaya po ako. First time ko pong nakalaban sa backstroke si Heather (White), kaya nagulat ako kasi ang bilis niya kahit hindi talaga siya back stroker. Pasalamat lang ako at nakuha ko yung panalo and very hopeful ako na mapasama sa Philippine team after three years,” said Ortiguerra, who was 13 years old when she made it to the national team in the 2019 SEA Age Group edition.

Meanwhile, White, 16, earlier won the girls 15-17 400m freestyle, clocking 4:35.57.

“I’m not really a back-stroker, that’s why I’m very surprised with the results,” said White, a national junior record holder in freestyle.

As expected, veteran internationalist Jamesrey Ajido dominated the boys 12-14 class with another victory in the 200m Individual Medley (2:16.01). On opening day, the 14-year-old multi junior-record holder claimed the 200m freestyle (2:02.68) and 50m back (28.90).

Other noted junior tankers who claimed “provisionary” status for the national team are Arabella Taguinota in the girls 15-17 100m breaststroke (1:13.40); Chantelle Coleman in the girls 12-14 100m breast (1:19.82) and 50m breast (35.24); Kyla Louise Bulaga in the girls 12-14 200m IM (2:35.10); Joshua Ramos in the Boys 18 & Over 50m back (27.79); Peter Cyrus Dean in the boys 15-17 50m (27.74); Kacie Gabrielle