Why Akiko Thomson chose to compete for the Philippines

As an athlete who proudly represented the country in several international competitions, one would likely assume that swimmer Akiko Thomson-Guevara is a Filipino by birth.

Thomson-Guevara is actually a naturalized Filipino by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1983 released in 1985. But her heart has always belonged to the Philippines.

"So my father is American, my mother is Japanese. My father was the Peace Corps director at the time, so that's what brought us here. We just never left," Thomson-Guevara said on 'Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel.'

Thomson-Guevara represented the Philippines in the 1988, 1992, and 1996 editions of the Summer Olympics, competing on that stage when she was as young as 13. She was also an eight-time SEA Games gold medalist as part of numerous achievements for the country.

The Olympic swimmer said she was just five months old when her family moved to the country from the United States.

She went back to the US to train and finish high school there, then went to college before moving back to the country.

But did she ever consider representing the United States in sporting events?

"No, because this is where I grew up. This is what's home for me."

Thomson-Guevara remains active in the sports community as president of the Philippine Olympians Association and Special Olympics Pilipinas.

Listen to the full interview here:

—JMB, GMA Integrated News