The Taguinota siblings, Arabella (15) and Arvin (12) Filipino National snagged 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals at the Emirates International Swimming Championships held at Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai UAE, on 17-19 March 2023 of more than 1000 participants.
Arvin Taguinota (12) claimed 6 Gold Medals in 50m, 100m, 200m back strokes, 200 Individual Medley, 50m and 100m free events setting new personal and UAE records and is awarded Best Swimmer for age group 11-12 years old.
“It is my first international swimming championship events. I strive to shave my prelims records to finals and pleased with the results of all my times. Out of 6 swimming events, I think my most memorable event that stunned me was the 50m free when I clocked 27.89”.
Arabella Taguinota (15), bagged Silver in 200 Ind. Medley and 2 Bronze in 50m and 100m Breaststroke for age group 15-16 years old.
“Breaststroke is my special event, and I was happy leading 50m and 100m in the prelims. I am amazed with the results as I clocked 34.93 in 50m breast and 1:16.91, my new personal best and a huge lead with my previous records”. “I was swimming with age group 15-16 years old and a year older than me is an advantage. However, I wanted to challenge myself and show to them, what I can do because my training has always been pretty good. And I feel like it doesn’t really translate to racing as much as until I guess about now”, she said.
Last year, Arabella (was 14) competed in the 2022 PSI Long Course Grand Prix National Championship in the Philippines where she received Gold in 50m free (28.83), Silver in 50m Breaststroke (35.69) and Silver in 200m Individual Medley (2:36.15) for age group 14-15 years old.
“Like many good athletes, Arvin and Arabella possesses a strong ethic and character. Both are very hardworking, they listen well to their coaches, and skipping on their daily training is not in their diary”, father says. Whatever they achieve is the fruit of their hard work, passion, and enjoyment.
Overall, Arabella and Arvin are very pleased with their achievements at the Emirates International Swimming Championship 2023 and to get into this level after pretty much not being in this kind of race prior to this event. The goal was just to do their best that they can, race and enjoy the process.
