Philippine swimming officials, disappointed at yet a third straight Asian Games medal drought, said they will focus on grassroots program more to get many swimming talents who are "slipping through the cracks."
"I am disappointed and really thought we would do better. I guess this was a wakeup call forus," said Philippine Aquatic Sports Association President Mark Joseph.
Although the Philippine swimmers landed in the finals of the two freestyle relays, the fourth place in the 4x200m freestyle relay was its best performance. A gallant effort by anchorman Miguel Molina in the 4x200m relay pushed the Filipinos from sixth place.
The relay team's time of 7:30.76 is a new Philippine record, Joseph added.
"I am going to begin focusing more on our grassroots program as too many talents are 'falling through the cracks' and remain undiscovered. Educating coach will be our major focus," Joseph said.
He added that he has yet to talk to the 26-year-old Molina about his plans.
"If he decides this is his last games, then we will honor him fittingly for all he has done for our country and wish him Godspeed. New talents will fill his shoes. Eventually," Joseph said.
It's urgent for the Philippines, once a power in Asian swimming, to improve, as the Asian Games is turning out to be as strong as the Olympics in certain events, like the freestyle.
Ryan Arabejo, the only other Filipino aside from Molina to enter the finals, encountered a hot pace set in the 1,500m by the winner, Sun Yang of China.
Arabejo swam 16:11.74, far from his best time of 15:30, in landing seventh, but Joseph said he "swam based on his training" in Florida.
- MANILA STANDARD TODAY
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