PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Swimmers Aubrey Tom of Cainta, Mark Bryan Dula of Parañaque and John Alexander Michael Talosig of Cotabato launched a gold rush as they swept five gold medals apiece in the swimming competitions of Philippine Youth Games-Batang Pinoy 2019 national finals at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex Wednesday here.

Even if I did not beat my personal best time, it was still a good result for me

Tom grabbed her fifth gold medal after clocking 28.93 seconds in 12-under girls’ 50-meter freestyle while Qaantreulle Light Wangkay of Laguna (29.63 seconds) and Kacie Gabrielle Tionko of Dumaguete City (31.13) settled for silver and bronze medals respectively.

“I’m very happy with this win. Even if I did not beat my personal best time, it was still a good result for me,” said the 12-year old Tom, who was a heartbeat short on beating her personal best for 50-meter freestyle.

“I made sure I did not do any breathing anymore when I approached the last five meters. I needed to hang in there,” added the University of the Philippines Integrated School student.

Tom said in preparation for this prestigious tourney, she joined marathons to help her build her endurance.

“Running helped me improved my power and stamina in swimming.” Tom said.

The Palarong Pambansa’s triple-gold medalist also bared that she will be playing under the girls’ UP Varsity Swimming Team in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines this September.