Jamesray Mishael Ajido won the boys’ 12-14 100m butterfly event on Wednesday night, earning the Philippines its first gold medal in the 11th Asian Age Group Championships at the New Clark City Aquatics Center.
The 15-year-old athlete finished the race in 55.98 seconds, beating the previous meet record of 56.36 seconds set by Chinese athlete Wang Yu Xiang in 2019.
Japan’s Yusei Nishiono also had a record-breaking performance of 56.05 to pocket the silver medal, while Chinese Taipei’s Yung-Cheng Kan settled for the bronze medal in 56.79.
“I was expecting to win a medal, but I’m unsure what color. I’m happy that I won the gold,” Ajido said after pocketing his second medal in the tournament organized by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc., headed by Miko Vargas.
Additionally, Ajido who is currently in Grade 8 at La Salle Greenhills, won the bronze medal in the 50m freestyle event. He clocked in at 24.34 seconds, his personal best, and set a new national record. This achievement took place last Tuesday.
Toya Hirata from Japan secured the gold medal by completing the race in just 23.21 seconds, setting a new record for the meet. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 24.03 seconds, which was set by fellow Japanese swimmer Yuga Takashima in 2019.
“This is special for me. I am proud to win a medal for the Philippines. I dedicate my victory to the Lord and my family,” he said after claiming his first medal.
Ajido stood out by winning two silver medals at the SEA Age Group Championships, which took place in Indonesia.
He secured the gold medals in the 100m butterfly and 100m backstroke events during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99. Additionally, he achieved outstanding success at the Batang Pinoy National Championships, winning five gold medals and one bronze.
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