By Brian Yalung
Chloe Kennedy Anne D. Isleta made a big splash on Monday, May 16, handing the Philippines its first gold medal when she ruled the 200-meter backstroke event at the 31st Southeast Asian Games held at the My Dinh Water Sports Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Isleta, who turned 24 just a couple of days ago, finished with a time of 2 minutes and 18.6 seconds in the event.
Nurul Fajar Fitriyati of Indonesia settled for the silver with a time of 2 minutes and 19.79 seconds while Mia Millar of Thailand took the bronze with a time of 2 minutes and 19.9 seconds.
Isleta’s gold medal feat ends the 29-year gold medal drought of the Philippines.
In the 2019 edition of the SEA Games held here in Manila, Isleta bagged two silver medals (4×100 meter medley relay and the 100-meter backstroke events).
She also bagged a bronze medal of the same event in 2019, ironically finishing behind Fitriyati’s 2 minutes and 17.84 seconds with a time of 2 minutes and 18.48 seconds.
“Thank you everyone for the support! I will continue to swim my heart out for the rest of the meet and to do my best to represent our country. I am extremely blessed and grateful. Laban Pilipinas!” Chloe Isleta said to PTV DMIS.
[table id=9 /]
