Kayla Sanchez gets another SEA Games gold as PH posts 1-2 finish in women’s 100m freestyle

CHONBURI, Thailand – Swimmer Kayla Sanchez stood on top of the podium for the second time, becoming the first Filipino to win multiple gold medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

The 24-year-old accomplished the feat after leading a one-two finish for the Philippines in the women’s 100m freestyle at the SAT Swimming Pool in Bangkok on Friday, December 12.

A member of the gold-winning squad in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, Sanchez clocked 54.82 seconds to beat out teammate Heather White, who came away with the silver with a time of 55.36 seconds.

The two bested six-time champion Quah Ting Wen of Singapore, who registered 55.60 seconds and settled for bronze.

The women’s 100m freestyle is the same event where Sanchez reached the semifinals in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sanchez also raised her tally in her first SEA Games stint to four medals following silver finishes in the women’s 50m backstroke and 200m freestyle events. – Rappler.com