ARRIANA June Cesista was adjudged the most valuable swimmer after bagging a total of eight gold medals at the close of the 2022 FINIS Short Course Swimming National Finals yesterday at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
The pride of Pangasinan, representing the Thresher Shark Swim Team, swept all of her eight events in the girls 7-8 class with victories in the 50-m butterfly (50.52) over Zavrinah Pailagao of Sweetdophins (51.39); 100-m backstroke (1:43.31) against Teof Velez of Northmin Stars (2:03.04) and 50-m breast (53.50) against Zavrinah Pailagan (59.87) and Violette Chavez (1:04.15) in the event organized by FINIS Philippines.
“Natutuwa po ako kasi po sa ensayo namin ‘yung focus namin manalo, natupad naman po. Thankful ako kay coach Rey, pati sa parents ko,” said the second Grader from Tambungan Preparatory School in Pangasinan.
“‘Yung medalya po talagang iingatan ko ang ganda po at nakaka-proud,” she added, referring to FINIS medals personally designed by FINIS Managing Director Vince Garcia.
Cesista dominated the field in the opening Day on Saturday, claiming the gold medals in the 100-m Individual Medley (1:44.60), 100-m butterfly (2:01.43); 50-m backstroke (49.72); 100-m breaststroke (2:00.11), and 50-m freestyle (44.60).
Davao Del Norte homegrown Czarina Cavite bagged one gold and one silver medals in the girls 9-10 class after topping the 50-m butterfly in 40.94 seconds before finishing second in the 50-m breast (45.84) won by Reese Tacuboy (43.63).
The 10-year-old tanker representing DavNor Blue Marlins Swim Team became the event’s first triple gold medalist in the morning session on Saturday with victories in the 100-m IM (1:28.83), 100-m butterfly (1:32.29) and 50-m freestyle (35.41).
Garcia was joined by Capas, Tarlac Mayor Roseller Rodriguez in awarding the medals and trophies to the top three overall team champions. The former also announced plans to hold much bigger tournaments next year, including the Long Course Championship.
“Actually, ‘yung commitment ng FINIS hindi natatapos sa swimming. This September we will hold the Kids Thriathlon here in Clark, while ‘yung dalawang events namin sa Digos City was moved this October. We’re also collaborating with Congressman Eric Buhain to start the Open Swim event in Batangas,” said Garcia.
Other winners are Ichico Velez of Northmin Stars in the boys 9-10 100-m butterfly (1:53.40); Daniel Ocampo of Dax Swim in the boys 11-12 (1:07.63); Gilbert Gonzalvo in the boys 13-14 (1:02.46); Kobe Ramirez in the boys 15-16 (1:00.21); Anton Malayang (boys 15-16, 1:03.80); Kaelan Garzon (boys 17-18, 57.91); Joco Delizo (boys 19over, 1:00.75); Kyle Belicena (girls 11-12, 1:14.78); Rianna Montelibano (girls 13-14, 1:10.00); Keilah Labarda (girls 13-14, 1:35.73); Triza Tabamo (girls 15-16, 1:08.30); Jasmine Obra (girls 17-18, 1:13.03);
Rhiane Aparri (girls 9-10, 42.42); Daniel Ocampo (boys 11-12, 33.16); Enkhmend Enkhmend (boys 13-14, 31.86); Timothy Ram Capulong (boys 15-16, 30.59); Jennuel De Leon (boys 17-18, 27.24); Joco Delizo (boys 19over, 27.64); Maria Celso (girls 11-12, 35.36); FJ Catherine Cruz (girls 13-14, 31.03); Trixie Ortiguera (girls 15-16, 30.48); Jeshanna Oquiana (girls 17-18, 33.13); Necie Bullecer (girls 19over, 33.81);
Albyn Martin in boys 7-8 100-m breaststroke (1:48.84); Reese Tacuboy (girls 9-10, 1:37.72); Jonas Ocampo (boys 11-12, 1:9.98); Seb Santos (boys 13-14, 1:08.06); Carlos Herrera (boys 15-16, 1:07.48); Jose Tayag (boys 17-18, 1:11.80); Joco Delizo (boys 19over, 1:13.18); Maria Felisha Celso (girls 11-12, 1:25.54); Daniella Anne Gregorio (girls 13-14, 1:18.95); Triza Haileyana Tabamo (girls 15-16, 1:19.71); Ixidorre Cajucom (girls 17-18, 1:21.94); Benito Mari De Mesa in boys 7-8 50-m freestyle (46.45); and Albyn Gavril Martin (boys 9-10, 34.61);