Tankers unfazed by tough tests in AYG

MANILA, Philippines - Jeremy Bryan Lim, Jethro Roberts Chua, Rafael Sta. Maria, Catherine Bondad, Kirsten Chloe Daos, Roxanne Ashley Yu and Speedo-sponsored athlete Ariana Herranz banner the Philippines’ swimming team set to see action in the Asian Youth Games unfolding next week in Nanjing, China.

While admitting facing a stiff challenge from the region’s top swimmers, head coach Pinky Brosas remains upbeat of his wards’ chances in the event, serving as the qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games set next year, also in Nanjing.

“The target is to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games. Initially, the window of opportunity is to achieve an invitational cut (Category B), then eventually train to surpass a Category A automatic qualifying time. But this is easier said than done because the YOG category qualifying times are the Class B cut-off for the 2012 London Olympic Games,” said Brosas.

“I really hope they make it to the finals or beat their personal best,” he added.

The AYG will gather athletes across 45 Asian nations competing in 118 events. Delegates will compete in 16 sports – aquatics (swimming and diving), athletics, badminton, basketball, fencing, football, golf, handball, judo, rugby, shooting, squash, table tennis, tennis, taekwondo and weightlifting.

Meanwhile, Speedo is the official outfitter of the national team. It will provide the team with the Fastskin3 Elite Racing Suit.