Lucena kid swims to 1st gold of Batang Pinoy return

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—A lad from Lucena got the honor of becoming the first athlete to strike gold in the return of the Batang Pinoy National Finals.

Twelve-year-old tanker Kristian Cabana won it all in the boys' 12-and-under 200-meter individual medley final that took place on Saturday at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Cabana barely breached the two-minute-30-second mark as he swam his way to the gold, finishing at a time of 2:29.5.

Even Cabana himself could not believe that he swam that fast.

"Very proud po ako at nagulat ako sa time ko," said Cabana, who dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer one day.

Kevin Chan of Valenzuela won the silver, while Angeles' Daniel Ocampo took home the bronze.

Moments later, La Union's Kyla Bulaga won the gold in the girls' 12-and-under 200-meter IM.

Host province Ilocos Sur struck its first medal through Makayla Fetalvero's silver, while Bulacan's Eunice De Guzman took home the bronze.

The swimming event will continue on Sunday, while cycling, chess, athletics, archery, and weightlifting events will begin also on Sunday in various venues within the Metro Vigan area.

Also kicking off on Sunday are the virtual wushu and muay Thai events.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno