Kayla Sanchez is dropping out of the Paris Olympics 2024 after being 15th out of 16 semifinalists in the women’s 100m freestyle.
Sanchez, a 23-year-old Filipina swimmer, completed her Olympic career on Tuesday, July 30 (Wednesday, July 31, in the Philippines) by finishing 15th in the 100m freestyle semifinals at Paris La Defense Arena.
She missed the top eight mark for advancing to the finals, clocking 54.21 seconds, and is one of 22 outstanding Filipino competitors who have now been eliminated.
Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong clinched the semifinals in 52.64 seconds, followed by the Australians Shayna Jack with 52.72 and Mollie O’Callaghan ended with 52.75.
Despite missing reaching the finals, Sanchez still set a new national record of 53.67 seconds. She also expressed her gratitude towards the unwavering support from her family and to the fellow Filipinos.
Sanchez said in the interview that it has been a long season for her, and she sees her exit from the Paris Olympics as a summer break in which she can reflect and refresh her mind and body before the next season. Nonetheless, the future of Sanchez seems as bright as her smile.
Video courtesy: One Sports