Olympian-trained Sophia Garra of WaveRunners Swim Club swept three events via the Qualifying Time Standard (QTS) to lead 10 top podium finishers who made the grade in the MVP/Smart-PAI National Tryouts for the 47th Southeast Asia (SEA) Age-Group Championships recently at the Teofilo Yldefonso Aquatics Center in Malate, Manila.
The 13-year-old junior standout from Malabon City and protege of 2000 Sydney Olympian Jenny Guerrero stole the limelight from her much-illustrious competitors. She swept her backstroke events—girls’ 11-13 50-m, 100-m, and 200-m—for automatic inclusion in the Philippine Team that will participate in the annual regional championships.
Garra, a Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy multi-medalist, topped the 50-m in a time of 31.00 seconds, beating the 31.16 QTS, while clocking 1:06.65 to match the QTS in the 100-m, before capturing her third gold medal in the 200-m at 2:23.91 (2:24.34). Her closest rival Jordane Porsche Sales of Aquaventure placed second in all three events.
It will be the second time for Garra to don the national colors in the prestigious tournament slated this August in Malaysia. She made it last year in Thailand with two QTS-breaking performances.
Joining her in the championships were last year’s teammates, including Asian SEA Age Championships lone gold medalist Jamesray Mischael Ajido of Royals Swim Club, Fil-British Alexander Eicler, Kyla Bulaga of La Union, Patricia Santor of Ilustre East, Fil-Briton Rhianna Chantele Coleman of Dax Swim Club, Fil-Am Ava Bautista, FJ Catherine Cruz of NOGCC Swim, Ryian Zach Denzel Belen of FTW Royals, and Albert Jose Amaro of San Beda College.
