World Aquatics approves move of Kayla Sanchez to represent the Philippines

Kayla Sanchez can now represent the country in major international events as World Aquatics has approved her change of nationalities from Canada to the Philippines.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) said effective Thursday, July 6, the 22-year-old swimmer is now eligible to play for the flag.

“The World Aquatics has approved the request for the sport nationality’s change of the Athlete [Sanchez], born on 7 April 2001, in the Aquatics sports of Swimming, from Canada to Philippines,” said World Aquatics Legal Counsel Loic Loutan in a letter dated Tuesday (July 4) and transmitted to the POC on Thursday.

“Therefore, the Athlete is entitled to represent Philippines in international competitions from 6 July 2023 onwards,” Loutan added.

Sanchez is expected to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September as she decided to skip the World Aquatics Championship next week.

“Finally the good news,” POC chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said.

“The country now has a very strong anchor in its national swimming team.”

Sanchez was a silver medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, finishing second in the 4x100m freestyle relay while she was still with Canada. She also has three world championship gold medals.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News