Harpoons dominate Speedo long course meet

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala Harpoons overcame a strong field of 66 teams to rule the Speedo National Long Course Swimming Championships held on July 21-23 at the Rizal Memorial Complex pool.

The team, headed by coach Archie Lim, garnered a total of 1,082 points, beating Makati Skipjacks which placed second with 780 points and Lake City Swim Team which posted 347 points.

In the individual events, Jose Joaquin Gonzales dominated the 200m and 400m freestyle and 200m and 400 IM. Kendrick Uy also showed his best form in winning the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Johansen Aguilar, national record holder for 50m ruled all backstroke events while Banjo Borja topped all breaststroke events and Dhill Anderson Lee the butterfly races.

In women’s division, Ayala Harpoons strongest contender, Celina Gonzales led almost all events ruling the freestyle (100m, 200m, 400m) butterfly (50m, 100m, 200m) and IM (200m and 400m).

Monique Bacolod of Makati Skipjacks, Christine Hipol of Flash Swim Team ruled the 50m and 200m breaststroke, respectively, while Filipino-Dutch guest swimmer Kimberley Albers won the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

Speedo Nationals is part of the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) qualifier for the aspirants to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this November.