Santor, Melencio and Evangelista win double gold in COPA swim fest

Photo courtesy Rey Nillama: Ricielle Maleeka Melencio

International youth campaigners Patricia Mae Santor, Ricielle Maleeka Melencio and Aishel Evangelista shared the limelight, winning two gold medals in their respective age group class on Friday at the start of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA) National Capital Region ‘One For All-All For One Swimming Championships at the Teofilo Ildefonso Swimming Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The 16-year-old Santor, a member of the Philippine Team in the Asian Age Group tilt last February in Clark, topped the girls’ 16-under 400m Individual Medley in a timed of 5:21.84 against Ilustre East Aquatics Club teammate Alyssa Khim Cabatian (5:40.87) and Joana Mae Avergonzado (5:53.81).

The trio got their second podium finished in the 200m freestyle with Santor claiming her second second gold, clocking two minutes and 18.47 seconds. Cabatian again finished second at 2:23.04 and Avergonzado was third at 2:23.53.

“I’m very happy, although I failed to better my personal best, still nakuha ko po yung target ko for the first day of competition,” said the Grade 11 student at the University of Santo Tomas.

Melencio, a freshman student at the Ateneo University, bested the field in the girls 18-and over 400m IM (5:30.21) and 200m freestyle (2:17.63), respectively, in the three-day tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PSI) and supported by Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

A two-time SEA Age Group campaigner, Melencio beat Dianna Celyn Cruz (5:45.87) and Shairinne Floriano (5:43.30) in the 400m IM event before leading the 200m free against Samantha Banas (2:21.75) and Dianna Cruz (2:24.99).

“Just trying my best, that’s all. I had a good swim today, hopefully, ma-sustain ko since I still have eight more events. I know everybody is focusing on the coming National tryouts this August, so this event is a good starting point for my preparation,” said Melencio.

But the most dramatic scene so far is the twin victories of the 14-year-old Evangelista of the Betta Caloocan Swimming Team.

With the tournament’s proceeds dedicated to his family in honor of his late father and COPA member coach Elcid, Aishel in a gesture of homage topped the boys’ 14-year 400m IM (4:53.63) and 200m freestyle (3:03.58), respectively.

The many-time internationalist beat Rio Stephen Coliyat (5:13.24) and Lance Jacob Bautista (5:38.89) in IM, as well as Coliyat (2:07.36) and Filip Solares (2:18.57) in 200m.

“Alam ko po masaya si Papa. Masaya ko kahit nakalulungkot na hindi na niya makikita yung mga resulta ng pinaghirapan naming sa training. Bawat langoy dedicated ko sa kanya, kaya pagbubutihan ko pa lalo sa training,” said the young Evangelista.

Other winners in the morning session of the event are Kaely Vianna in girls 11-yrs 400m IM (7:10.86), Allianah Soriano in girls 12-yrs (6:06.87), Pauline Rosales in girls 13-yrs (7:53.11), Angela Briones in girls 14-yrs (6:03.72), Chaz Cadag in boys 13-yrs (5:54.54), Jamen Rafael Bersamin in boys 15-yrs 400m IM (5:20.27); Lance Edrick Adalin in 16-yrs 400m (5:12.89), Candice Dale Donaire in girls 6-under 200m freestyle (4:49.78), Sabella Jaze Udtuhan 7-yrs 200m free (4:54.14).