Diamante shines in COPA novice swimfest

MANILA, Philippines — Nicola Queen Diamante emerged the most bemedalled swimmer with a near perfect campaign in the first Novice Swim Championship at the Teofilo Ildefonso swimming pool inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC).

Diamante, a member of the RSS Dolphines Swim Team, shone brightest in her 11-year-old class, winning the class A 25-meter freestyle in 14.30 seconds, butterfly (14.80), backstroke (16.30), breastroke (21.40), 50-meter freestyle (30.40), and 100-m Individual medley (1:29.40).

Diamante missed a sweep  in this grassroots development program of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (COPA) headed by Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain and supported by Speedo as she fell short in her duel against Alex Pasia of Sharknado Swimming Team in the 100m freestyle (45.80) with her 1:09.10 clocking.

Last month during COPA’s Reunion swimfest, Diamante was also adjudged the most prolific swimmer with a four-gold haul in Class A 100m butterfly (1:21.30); 100m backstroke (1:24.70); 100m freestyle (1:11.00) and the 200m back (3:04.90).

“Masayang masaya po ako at nagpapasalamat sa COPA dahil tuloy-tuloy ang tournaments nila sa mga kabataang tulad ko. Mas gagalingan ko pa po sa susunod. Medyo maginaw na kanina kaya hindi ko na masyadong nahirit,” said Diamante, shining amidst the threat of a coming typhoon.

COPA board member Chito Rivera said he expected a huge participation from public school student as the organization announced a plan to double the number of participants in the next tournament – the Reunion 3rd leg swim challenge on Oct.  22-23. Also lined up is the Sprint meet with the introduction of SKINS Swim event (Nov. 12-13), and the Short Course Yuletide Swimming Championship (Dec. 10-11).

Other winners were Chloe Phoemela Constantino in the 14-yrs 25m freestyle (class C, 15.70), Alexandra Pascua (class N, 18.10), 15-over 25m freestle, Mary Christine Llorente (class A, 13.95); Katreena Via Duque (class C, 14.50); Faith Real (class N, 17.20); 8-yrs 50m free. Isebelle Ramirez (class A, 44.90); Eunice Jacinto (class N, 55.60); 9-yrs 50-m free, Alandria Delantar (class A, 36.20); Alexndra Cai (class C, 47.40); Rafaella Decano at Shane Salvador (class N, 49.50); 10-yrs 50m free, Allianah Soriano (class A, 35.80), Ianne Zafra (class C, 45.50); Kate Lopez (class N. 48.70); 11-yrs 50m free, Alex Pacia (class C, 42.30); Simone Llanto (class N, 45.05).