PH tanker Sahagun claims first gold in 2024 BIMP-EAGA

Filipino tanker Phillip Adrian Sahagun bagged the first overall gold medal at the 2024 Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games on Monday, December 2, at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The 21-year-old Sahagun breezed past his rivals and won by a hair as he clocked in 2 minutes and 13.52 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer in Indonesia’s Hidayatullah Aril who registered 2:13.83 in the boys’ 200-meter individual medley (IM).

Rodolfo Apilado III, another Philippine swimmer, finished with 2:20.82 to capture the bronze medal, completing the podium of the first event of the entire tournament.

"I didn't expect to win, because two weeks ago I just got back from the UAAP and I didn't have [enough] time to prepare for this because I also want to be able to rest. I had no training for one week at all," said the third-year BS Entrepreneurship student of De La Salle University.

"But my mindset is swim for the Philippines," he added. "During the last lap, I felt a little pain in my body but I saw my opponent chasing so I pushed.  I was there at first so I said I will not give up the gold."

In the women's category, Lora Micah Amoguis made an impression as well after winning the gold in her pet event, the girls' 200-meter IM, with a time of 2 minutes and 30.73 seconds.

"I'm very glad that this is my first gold, my pet event, and I dedicated this to the country," said Amoguis, a BS Life Sciences freshman in Ateneo.

"It was my first time to really experience this (injury scare). This is for my coaches, parents, and my family," added Amoguis, who was nursing shoulder fatigue.

Other Filipino swimmers that excelled in their respective categories include Maglia Jaye Dignadice (girls’ 50m butterfly), John Michael Catamco (boys’ 50m butterfly), and June Pearl Dagano (girls’ 100m freestyle).