Filipinas on the Come-up: Chloe Isleta

Chloe Isleta of De La Salle University was a one-woman powerhouse for Team Pilipinas in the 2022 ASEAN University Games held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. She won four gold medals for the Philippines in the regional meet -- four of the five total medals won that day.

The games, spanning from July 26th to August 6th at Ban Yang Noi Campus, put Isleta up against formidable athletes across Southeast Asia. Sweeping the gold in 50, 100, and 200 metre backstroke, as well as the 200 metre individual medley, Isleta has proved herself a force to be reckoned with.

Isleta's incredible streak of success ended the country’s 29-year gold medal drought in women’s swimming. This is one of many fruitious victories for this young athlete. Isleta saw previous success in the 200 metre backstroke event at the Southeast Asian Games back in May at My Dinh Water Sports Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam. She was the first Filipina to bring home a SEA Games Title since Akiko Thompson in the 1993 Singapore games, who won for the exact same event.

Isleta sporting her medals.

Isleta has received recognition from former President Rodrigo Duterte, who awarded her the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi Medal. This is an honour awarded to those who actively participate or contribute significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

Pinoys both back home and across the world are eager to see the future wins and successes of this incredible, Filipina athlete.

Picture and information shared to The Filipino Centre Toronto by Lorli Ann Reniva.