Manila: South Warriors Swimming Team takes pride in winning 44 medals in the Vermosa Victory Games held recently at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcus Jared Balanquit Dula (Class A), and Thyme Millar, Shaun Jacobo Villanueva, Joaquin Angelo Matudio, and Von Braiden Palma (Class C) led the winners and earned the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) honors.
In the 13-14 years old category, Dula bagged three golds in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, and 200m Individual Medley. He also secured one silver in the 50m freestyle and one bronze in the 50m breaststroke in the boys division. Meanwhile, Millar pocketed five golds in the 50m fly, 50m back, 200m IM, 50m breast, and 50m free, along with two silvers in the 4x50m medley and free relay in the girls division.
Villanueva excelled in the 11-12 years old category by securing one gold in the 50m free, two silvers in the 50m fly and 50m back, and one bronze in the 200m IM. In the 7-8 years old category, Palma achieved two golds in the 50m fly and 4x50m freestyle relay, two silvers in the 50m back and 100m free, and one bronze in the 50m free. Matudio collected one gold in the 50m free, three silvers in the 50m back, 100m free, and 4x50m freestyle relay, and one bronze in the 50m breast.
Behind the success of these promising talents is Marlon Dula, who began his coaching career in 2009 at the Susan Papa Swim Academy, later renamed South Warriors Swimming Team. Dula expressed his commitment to continuing the grassroots program initiated by coach Susan, aiming to develop swimmers who will excel in the Palarong Pambansa and become national team members.
Marlon Dula, along with the late coach Susan Papa, was instrumental in developing national swimmers Jasmine Mojdeh and Heather White, who both achieved success in various tournaments locally and internationally. Elijah Ebayan, a competitor at the 2024 Southeast Asia Age Group Championships in New Clark City, Tarlac, and currently part of the San Beda Alabang varsity team, is also a member of the South Warriors.
