The best is yet to come for swimming sensation Jamesray Mishael Ajido. After establishing six new junior national records, the pride of Ramil Ilustre’s Antipolo Gems Sea Scorpions is eyeing more new marks in a coming age-group competition, with high hopes of even rewriting a current Philippine record.
“Focused po ako sa training. Everyday, I’m trying to improve my personal time. This coming tournament, target ko pong makagawa pa ng bagong record, Philippine record and hopefully in the future, maka-world record din ako,” said the 13-year-old Grade 7 student of the Montessori Integrated School-Antipolo during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. ‘Usapang Sports’ on Thursday at the Behrouz Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City.
Ilustre expressed optimism of his ward’s future as he received several invitations for Ajido’s commitment from schools and universities.
“This early, maraming ng alok ang dumarating sa amin. But focused muna kami na tapusin ni Jamesray ‘yung mga naka-program na competition. Masunurin at hindi ito pasaway, alam niya ‘yung mga hirap sa training at sa buhay kaya tingin ko kaya niyang mag-establish pa ng bagong record and soon become part of the National Team,” said Ilustre, cousin of former National coach Bong Ilustre and collegiate mentor Ali, in the weekly sports forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Pagcor and Behrouz chain of Restaurant.
Ajido, who trained under Ilustre since his early years, made his mark when he recorded new junior records in the 100-m Fly (58.82), 200-m Individual Medley (2:15.87), 400-IM (4:58.71), 200-m Back (2:17.09), 50- Fly (26.95) and 100- Back (1:03.28) during the Philippine Swimming Inc. Grand Prix and Asian age-group selection series this year.
FINIS Philippines Managing Director Vince Garcia, meanwhile, personally took under his wings the TODO Para Triathlon squad made up of Godfrey Esperanzate Taberna, Al Fernandez, Calib Sim Jr., Raul Q Angoluan, and Jake Lacaba.
Garcia said that through his bike shop, he is extending support to the team’s training, equipment and participation in local competitions, including the recent Mt. Mayon Triathlon Championship sa Legazpi City, Albay.
“Nakita ko sila sa registration ng isang tournament. Umatras sila dahil sa problema sa registration fee, sabi ko sagutin ko na muna. After that, tuluy-tuloy na ‘yung suporta ko sa kanila and with the help of other friends, na-sustain namin ‘yung mga gastusin sa training, equipment at participasyon,” said Garcia.