Manila: The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) is aiming for four gold medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, scheduled to take place in Thailand from December 9 to 22. Cambodia SEA Games gold medalist Xandi Chua leads a strong swimming team that includes Filipino-Canadian Kayla Noelle Sanchez, Filipino-American Miranda Cristina Renner, and several other talented swimmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Australia-trained Xandi Chua will be defending her 200m backstroke gold medal, which she won with a time of 2:13.20 in 2023. In addition to this event, Chua is set to compete in the 100m backstroke, 200m and 400m Individual Medley, 4x100m freestyle relay and medley relay, and 4x200m freestyle relay. PAI Secretary General Eric Buhain expressed confidence in the team during a forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, highlighting the team’s potential for winning medals.

Buhain noted the team’s mixture of youth and experience, citing Kyla Sanchez’s performances in the Asian Games and Tokyo Olympics. He expressed optimism for the SEA Games, emphasizing the team’s strong chances. The target is at least four gold medals, but Buhain is confident that the aquatics team will significantly contribute to the overall medal tally for the Philippine delegation.

In the previous SEA Games held in Cambodia, the Philippines secured a gold in the women’s 100m backstroke, in addition to six silvers and seven bronzes. The aquatics delegation for the Thailand SEA Games also includes competitors in diving, open water swimming, and water polo.

Buhain mentioned the absence of an entry in artistic swimming for this SEA Games but expressed hope for forming a team for future events. He will accompany the team to Thailand, along with PAI President Michael Angelo Vargas and Executive Director Anthony Reyes.