Kayla Sanchez continued her productive SEA Games campaign with two silver medals on Thursday in Bangkok. The two-time Olympic medalist delivered strong performances in both the 50m backstroke and 200m freestyle, adding to her fast-growing medal tally at the Aquatic Centre.

Sanchez opened the day by setting a new meet record during the 50m backstroke heats, surpassing the previous mark established in 2023. Despite the impressive prelims swim, she settled for second in the final, where Indonesia’s Wolf Masniari regained the title.

Sanchez rebounds with another podium finish

Masniari touched first in the 50m backstroke final with a time of 28.80 seconds, edging out Sanchez, who finished with her earlier-record-breaking 28.47 from the heats. Thailand’s Boonamphai Saovanee claimed bronze in a tight finish.

Philippines coach Michal Zbigniew Skrodzk praised Sanchez for her composure and consistency, noting that despite her international experience, competing in the SEA Games presents its own new challenges. He emphasized that the team values the medal for what it is — a strong silver — rather than viewing it as a missed opportunity.

Freestyle success adds to medal momentum

Sanchez returned to the pool later in the day for the 200m freestyle, securing another silver after clocking 2:02.9. Singapore’s Gan Ching Hwee topped the race in 2:00.2, with Thailand’s Maria Nedelko completing the podium at 2:02.71.

Her latest finishes follow a historic achievement on Wednesday, when she helped deliver the Philippines’ first-ever gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Swimming alongside Heather White, Chloe Isleta and Xiandi Chua, the quartet clocked 3:44.26 to set a new national milestone.

Sanchez remains in medal contention as she prepares to compete again in the 200m freestyle on Dec. 11 at the same Bangkok venue.