Swimmer Kayla Sanchez to skip world championships, focuses on Asian Games

Swimmer Kayla Sanchez is tipped to skip the World Aquatics Championships as she looks to focus on her campaign for the Philippines in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

According to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, the Filipino-Canadian tanker will concentrate on the quadrennial regional event upon the advice of her coach.

The world championship is slated to start on July 14 in Fukuoka, Japan while the Asian Games is penciled from September 23 to October 8.

“I have met with my coach, and we have decided it is best for me not to compete in Fukuoka,” Sanchez told Tolentino.

“This means I can be focused to medal in the Asian Games in September.”

Sanchez, though, said she would want to get the full confirmation from World Aquatics on her eligibility to suit up for the Philippines after representing Canada before in her young career.

In July 2022, Sanchez, holder of one Olympic silver and three world championship gold medals, completed her transfer to the Philippines. She needed one year of residency before donning the national colors in tournaments. 

“Before I withdraw from the competition, I think we should wait until World Aquatics approves my transfer,” she said.

“At least then we know that I am 100 % cleared to race for the Philippines in the Asian Games.”

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News