Vigan, Ilocos Sur—Cainta, Rizal standout Aubrey Tom bucked the sweltering afternoon heat and slight fever as she claimed two more podium finishes and became one of the most bemedalled athletes on Day 2 of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy National Championships on Sunday at the Quirino Stadium’s pool here.
The 15-year-old Tom first grabbed the gold medal in the slower 13-15-year-old 400-meter individual medley before settling for a silver in the much faster sprint race of the 50-meter butterfly event.
Tom’s performance made her the most prolific medallist in her category as she now amassed three golds and a silver.
A student University of the Philippine Integrated School, Tom earlier took home the golds in the 200-meter IM and in the 100-meter freestyle on opening day.
“It’s a silver. Yes. But still good,” said Tom with a smile on her ongoing campaign.
Tom’s outstanding feat came as the daughters of former national standout and former Tour of Luzon veterans stamped their class in the cycling competitions held at the Provincial Capitol 0 Diversion Road.
Maritanya Krog claimed the gold medal in the criterium event after ruling the girls’ 13 and below in 37 minutes and 43 seconds of the 30-minute, 3-lap race.
It was the daughter of ex-national rider Marita Lucas’ first-ever crown, after the 13-year-old and Grade 9 student from Baesa National High School quickly took charge after making her second turn.
“Pagdating sa pangalawang ikot, umangat na ako at nakipag-unahan na ako,” said Krog, who used a carbon fibre bike she borrowed from her elder sister Matilda.
Maria Louisse Alejado of Iloilo took the silver in 39:12.067, while Jhanah Abella of Calapan settled for the bronze 39:16.426.
Jacqueline Joy De Guzman of Quezon City, guided by her father and retired Tour of Luzon podium finisher Reggie de Guzman, ruled the girls’ 14 to 15-under action in 46 minutes and 46 seconds, ahead of Tuguegarao’s Davine Novo and Bulacan’s Mica Montaos, who took the silver and bronze.