ASPIRANT. Filipino-American Riannah Chantelle Coleman competes in the girls' 14-15 100m breaststroke event of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. national trials at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Saturday (Aug. 17, 2024). She clocked 1 minute and 14.12 seconds to surpass the qualifying standard time of 1:14.50. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Filipino-Americans Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Gian Santos displayed impressive forms during the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. national trials at Teofilo Yldefonso pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Saturday.
Coleman, born and raised in Pampanga province, ruled the 100m breaststroke in 1 minute and 14.12 seconds, surpassing the qualifying standard time (QTS) of 1:14.50 to claim her third gold medal in the girls' 14-15 category.
Her victories in the 50m and 200m breaststroke both exceeded the QTS.
“I feel so blessed. I just want to thank my parents for their support and to coach Dax (Halili) for believing in me. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for and it’s an amazing feeling if I represent my country in a high-level international meet,” the 5-foot-3 swimmer, whose father is from Denver, Colorado, said.
Coleman is currently in Grade 9 at the National Sports Academy in Capas, Tarlac. She finished grade school at the American International Learning Academy in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Santos secured his third gold in the boys' 16-18 category after dominating the 200m freestyle in 1:51.39 (QTS 1:55.45).
The incoming freshman at Columbia University in New York also won the 400m freestyle in 4:01.26 (QTS 4:07.74) and the 200m breaststroke in 2:18.30 (QTS 2:22.78).
"I'm just trying my best and possibly inspire the youth here. I hope to represent my country and my long-term goal is to make it to the Olympics,” the American-born Santos, whose parents are both Filipinos, said.
Jamesray Ajido, Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Mishka Sy, Ivo Nikolai Enot, Maxene Hayley Uy, Shania Joy Baraquiel, Billie Blu Mondenedo and Fil-Mongolian Enkhmend Enkhmend also triumphed in the tournament which will select members of the national teams for various tournaments abroad. (PNA)
