Aquino, Alcoseba make golden bubble at the pool

CEBU, Philippines -  Most kids their age indulged in swimming just for a hobby, to meet friends or get a dose of daily exercise, but Psalm Daniel Aquino and Raven Faith Alcoseba took swimming into new level by haulding golds in record-establishing fashion during the 19th Milo Little Olympics-Visayas recently at the Cebu City Sports Center.

With only two years of experience in competitive swimming, the members of the Talisay Ciy Swimg Team swiftly made a strong statement that they're a force to reckon with at the pool.

Aquino, a student of Asian College of Technology-Talisay, amassed a total of 11 golds in the  elementary division, while Alcoseba of First Chinese Royal Academy, also based in Talisay, collected 10 golds and one silver.

Aquino did not only harvest golds, he also transformed himself into a record-breaking machine, shattering the 18-year-old marks of of Matthew Vega in the 200 individual medley and 200m freestyle.

“I started my swimming lessons with coach Roland (Remolino) just two years ago and never did I imagine that I would be breaking records and harvesting golds in a competition,” said the 12-year-old Aquino.

Aquino said his key to winning is having fun in doing the sport he loved. It reflects in his great determination to always be present at the pool.

“This kid really works hard and I think he enjoys what he is doing,” said Remolino.

Remolino recalled that they were about to hold practice when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Cebu and Bohol last year.

“He (Aquino) was the only one at the pool when that earthquake struck. I can see through him that he didn’t mind what is happening but I cancelled right away the practice for the safety of everybody,” said Remolino. "From there, I see that this kid really has the passion for the sport and I am glad that I have him in my team."

Like Aquino, Alcoseba started from a simple summer swimming lesson in 2012 before Remolino decided to test her potential. He was readily rewarded when the young swimmer made a splashing performance in the Nestle Philippines-bankrolled event two weeks ago.

“My father enrolled me to a swimming school so I can learn how to swim. At first I didn’t think that I would do good in this sport until I began winning in competitions,” said Alcoseba.

The daddy’s little girl broke several records, including the 400m freestyle once held by Karen Indaya and the 200m individual medley previously owned by Lynette Ang.

Aside from being his two fastest swimmers, Alcoseba and Aquino also gained Remolino’s admiration as the two excelled even if they only have a small swimming facility to practice.

“We are only using a public pool where we pay P30 just to swim," said Remolino. "But they showed me great dedication and love for the sport and that’s what I think became the key of our team's success during the Milo Olympics.”

With their success in the regional qualifiers, Aquino and Alcoseba will now brace for a bigger task in delivering gold for Team Visayas in the Milo National Finals this October in Marikina City. (FREEMAN)