Cesista sweeps eight FINIS events

MANILA, Philippines — Arriana June Cesista was adjudged the most valuable swimmer after bagging a total of eight gold medals in the 2022 FINIS Short Course Swimming National Finals yesterday at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

The pride of Pangasinan, representing Thresher Shark Swim Team, swept all of her eight events in the girls 7-8 class including victories in the 50m butterfly (50.52) over Zavrinah Pailagao of Sweetdophins, 100m backstroke (1:43.31) against Teof Velez of Northmin Stars and 50m breast (53.50) against Zavrinah Pailagan and Violette Chavez.

“Natutuwa po ako kasi po sa ensayo focused kami manalo, natupad naman po. Thankful ako kay coach Rey, pati sa parents ko,” said the second grader from Tambungan Preparatory School in Pangasinan.

“Yung medalya po talagang iingatan ko, ang ganda at nakaka-proud,” Cesista said, referring to FINIS medals designed by FINIS managing director Vince Garcia.

Cesista dominated from Day One where she bagged the gold medals in the 100m Individual Medley (1:44.60), 100m butterfly (2:01.43); 50m backstroke (49.72); 100m breaststroke (2:00.11), and 50m freestyle (44.60).

Davao del Norte bet Czarina Cavite snared one gold and one silver in the girls 9-10 class after topping the 50m butterfly (40.94) before finishing second in the 50m breast (45.84) won by Reese Tacuboy (43.63). The 10-year-old tanker representing the DavNor Blue Marlins Swim Team became the event’s first triple gold medalist in the morning session Saturday with victories in the 100m IM (1:28.83), 100m butterfly (1:32.29) and 50m freestyle (35.41).

Garcia was joined by Capas, Tarlac Mayor Roseller Rodriguez in awarding the medals and trophies to the top three overall team champions.

“Yung commitment ng FINIS hindi natatapos sa swimming. This September, we’re holding the Kids Thriathlon in Clark,” said Garcia.