Cordero rips Phl swim mark; UP overall champ

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Swimming League swimmer Denjylie Cordero surpassed the 10-year-old Philippine record in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 34.01 seconds in a show of power by the beleaguered University of the Philippines, at the receiving end of recent controversial rules of the UAAP board, in the UAAP swimming competitions which ended yesterday at the TRACE College in Laguna.

Cordero, 18-year-old daughter of national coach Dennis Cordero, broke the time of 34.10 seconds by Jacklyn Pangilinan on Aug. 12, 2003, to highlight her four-gold medal haul which included the 100m and 200m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.

Her sister Jaja also took the gold in the 200m freestyle and 400m IM as they led UP to the women’s championship.

Claire Adorna, 19, who was disallowed by the UAAP board to participate after she competed in the Universiade in Kazan, Russia in violation of board rules, prepared for the competitions nevertheless, in hopes of having the suspension lifted.

Five days before the competition, the UAAP board allowed her to compete in her last playing year. She won the gold in the 100m freestyle (59.42 sec), 400m freestyle (4:33.69) and 200m backstroke (2:22.53) – the last two setting new norms in the UAAP.

“I’m happy to swim for my alma mater UP in my final year in the UAAP. I dedicate my swim to the people who helped and supported me, especially to our God almighty,”she said.

Adorna was referring to her coach Noel Rivera, PSL president Susan Papa, Sen. Nikki Coseteng, Atty. Ma. Luz A. Mendoza, Sen. Pia Cayetano and UP president Dr. Alfredo Pascual who fought for the lifting of the suspension of the UP swimmers.

Former national swimmer Charles Walker clocked 27.35 seconds in the 50m backtstroke to win the event and lead UP to the men’s championship.

Named most outstanding swimmers were Celina Gonzales of Ateneo and Johansen Aguilar of La Salle.