The Philippine Olympic Committee is thrilled to have Kayla Sanchez as part of the national squad that will see action in the Paris Olympics.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed elation over Sanchez’s possible Olympic stint, saying that she will be a big boost to the country’s quest for its second gold medal in the Summer Games next year.
Born to Filipino parents, the 22-year-old Sanchez was part of the Canadian relay team that won a silver and bronze medal in the Olympics in Tokyo two years ago.
But last year, she decided to switch her allegiance to the Philippines, prompting her to see action in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou last October.
Although she still has to wait for two years before she could play for the Philippines in the Summer Games, the International Olympic Committee decided to waive the three-year residency rule for athletes who switch nationalities.
“This is good news for Philippine swimming as Kayla won’t have to wait for two more years for her to be able to represent the country in the Olympics,” said Tolentino from Canada, where he visited the Canadian Olympic Team headquarters in Toronto.
In a letter to the POC, IOC Director of National Olympic Committee Relations and Olympic Solidarity James McLeod announced the approval of Tolentino’s request for the waiving of Sanchez’s eligibility period last 8 November.
