Jie Angela Mikaela Talosig went into her first international meet just hoping to gain experience. She left with a bronze medal instead.

The 20-year-old La Salle swimmer clocked 1:18:57. That was good for third place in the women’s 20-and-above division at the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Championships off Boracay Newcoast.

Talosig’s Surprise Podium Finish Highlights PH Debut

Indonesia’s Nadya Sirasawati won gold in 1:07.23. Thailand’s Musikul Hirunhas took silver in 1:09.15.

Talosig said she never expected to reach the podium. “Honestly, I was just wanted to experience competing at the international level so to win a bronze medal… is a pleasant surprise,” she said.

She enters the meet in strong form. She won gold in the 800m freestyle and two bronzes at UAAP Season 88 in Tarlac.

Other young Filipinos nearly medaled too. Julia Jewels Pobleto took bronze in the girls’ 12-13 3K race, clocking 50:40.

PSC Eyes Bigger Events After Successful Boracay Hosting

Alfonso Joaquin de Mesa just missed the podium. He placed fourth in the boys’ 14-15 class, finishing in 1:04.57.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio called the event a stepping stone. “This hosting is just a dress rehearsal for more international open water events,” he said.

He added the meet served two goals for Philippine sports. “We not only provide a vehicle in promoting sports tourism but also expose our local athletes,” he said.

PAI secretary general Eric Buhain thanked the PSC after favorable weather held up. “We could not have asked for more,” he said of the three sunny days.