71 swimmers vie for national team spot as PSI to hold tryouts starting Friday

After some delays, the Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) is finally pushing through with the national team selection bubble set to be held from October 22 to 24 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

A total of 71 swimmers are set to see action in the three-day tryout with the successful applicants earning a crack at representing the country in the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships 2021 in December and the 19th FINA World Championships in May next year.

"We hope that the event can show to the youth that we can rise again and recover from this pandemic. We hope to encourage current swimmers to train even more to reach their dreams," PSI president Lailani Velasco said in a statement.

"And what better dream than to have a chance to represent the country, and bring pride and honor to the flag."

The event was originally scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30 this year but was deferred due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Three-time UAAP women's swimming Most Valuable Player Chloe Daos leads all the women swimmers as she competes in four events while young tankers Xiandi Chua and Camille Buico are also set to dip their toes in the pool.

National record holder in breaststroke Joy Rodgers will also test her mettle in the 50-meter and 100-meter events.

UAAP Season 82 men's swimming MVP Sacho Ilustre heads the men's field that also includes stalwarts Ianiko Limfilipino and Miguel Barreto.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News