BANGKOK, Thailand – The Philippines’ women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team delivered a thrilling triumph at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on December 10, 2025, clinching gold with a blistering time of 3:44.26 at the Huamark Aquatic Center. Olympian Kayla Sanchez anchored the quartet—alongside Heather White, Chloe Iselta, and Xiandi Chua—to edge out Singapore (3:46.53) for silver and Vietnam (3:47.47) for bronze, marking the country’s second gold of the Games following Justin Kobe Macario’s taekwondo poomsae victory.
Sanchez, the 23-year-old Filipino-Canadian powerhouse who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, sealed the dramatic finish with a powerhouse leg that propelled the team to victory. The quartet’s seamless handoffs and relentless pace turned the final into a showcase of Philippine aquatic prowess, silencing doubters and igniting celebrations among the Filipino contingent.
This gold caps a redemption arc for Chua, who snagged silver in the same event at the 2023 Cambodia Games alongside Miranda Renner, Teia Salvino, and Jasmine Alkhaldi. The win elevates the Philippines’ swimming medal tally in a discipline where the nation has historically shone, blending international experience with homegrown talent.
Coach Mylene Garcia-Alqueza couldn’t hide her elation: “This is the result of their hard work and unity. Kayla’s anchor was perfect – she brought us home.” Sanchez, beaming post-race, dedicated the medal to her supporters: “For the Philippines – we’ve waited for this moment.”
With the SEA Games running through December 20 across 56 sports, Team Philippines—led by flagbearers Alex Eala and Bryan Bagunas—eyes more podium pushes, targeting at least 60 golds. This relay roar isn’t just a win; it’s a wave, signaling the archipelago’s rising tide in regional aquatics.
Race Results Snapshot:
| Position | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Philippines | 3:44.26 |
| Silver | Singapore | 3:46.53 |
| Bronze | Vietnam | 3:47.47 |
Team Philippines (4x100m Freestyle Relay):
Heather White, Chloe Iselta, Xiandi Chua, Kayla Sanchez (anchor)