Highlights

Kayla Sanchez Smashes Philippine Record To Advance To Freestyle Semis

By Ramon Domingo - July 30, 2024
A good omen to keep the hopes for a medal finish alive.

The Philippines’ Kayla Sanchez entered the semifinals for the Olympics swimming 100m freestyle in strong fashion. She finished fourth in her heat, and 10th overall on Tuesday, July 30 at the La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France.

Kayla completed her heat in 53.67 seconds, beating her previous record of 54.25 and setting a new national record for women’s freestyle in the Philippines.

This is not Kayla’s first rodeo. Previously representing Canada, she placed 10th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for 100m freestyle and was even able to earn silver and bronze for the women’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay and 4 x 100m medley relay, respectively.

Now donning Philippine colors, she has made quite a splash.

Meanwhile, dominating the top 16 of the event is Sweden’s Sarah Sjoestroem. Sarah is the last Olympic winner and the current 100m freestyle world record holder with a time of 51.71 seconds. The Olympic record is held by Australia’s Emma McKeon at 51.96 seconds. 

The semifinals will start Wednesday, July 31, where Kayla has another chance for an Olympic podium finish for women’s swimming.

Banner from Swimming Canada.


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