MANILA – Rising swimmers from the South Warriors Swimming Team showcased their talent after winning 44 medals during the Vermosa Victory Games staged at the Vermosa Sports Hub.
Among the team’s top performers were Marcus Jared Balanquit Dula, Thyme Millar, Shaun Jacobo Villanueva, Joaquin Angelo Matudio, and Von Braiden Palma, who all secured Most Outstanding Swimmer honors in their respective divisions.
Dula dominated the boys’ 13–14 division, claiming three gold medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, and 200m individual medley. He also added one silver in the 50m freestyle and one bronze in the 50m breaststroke.
Millar likewise shone in the girls’ 13–14 category, sweeping five gold medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 200m individual medley, 50m breaststroke, and 50m freestyle. She also helped the team earn two silver medals in the 4x50m medley and freestyle relays.
Villanueva impressed in the 11–12 age group, finishing with one gold, two silvers, and one bronze across several events.
The team also made a strong showing in the 7–8 division. Palma secured two gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze, while Matudio collected one gold, three silvers, and one bronze.
The team’s continued success is credited to head coach Marlon Dula, who has been developing young swimmers since 2009 through the program established by the Susan Papa Swim Academy.
Dula said his long-term mission is to strengthen grassroots swimming and produce athletes capable of competing in the Palarong Pambansa and representing the Philippines in international competitions.
Under his mentorship, several swimmers have already reached higher levels of competition, including national standouts Jasmine Mojdeh and Heather White.
Another former South Warriors swimmer, Elijah Ebayan, competed in the 2024 Southeast Asia Age Group Championships and now represents the San Beda Alabang Red Lions in collegiate competition.
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