5 golds for Davao kid

MATI, Davao Oriental -- Brian Alric Panganiban of Davao City came through with another dominating performance at the pool, this time capturing five gold medals in the 2010 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet at Mati Centennial Sports Complex here.

The 15-year-old Panganiban, a mainstay of the Ateneo de Davao University team, won three gold medals on opening day and then came back to the pool the next day to add two more for a total of five golds. This made him the golden boy of swimming in the secondary boys' division and securing himself of a slot to the coming Palarong Pambansa.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

Panganiban topped the 400-meter freestyle, the 200-meter individual medley, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter butterfly and anchored the Big City athletes to the 4x100-meter freestyle gold.

In winning the 200-meter individual medley in the afternoon of the first day, Panganiban defeated James Cabatingan of Compostella Valley and Brix Morados of the Island Garden City of Samal, who settled for the silver and bronze, respectively.

Panganiban's second gold came in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay with Sam Trinidad, Abner Saimodin and Jhonny Barani.

Panganiban, son of architect and Benjamin Jr. and Fe Panganiban, was elated with his showing and attributed hardwork to his success.

He now looks forward to the Palarong Pambansa next month in Tarlac.

"I have been practicing the whole year for these events and I thank God for the blessing He has given me. I thank my parents, my school, my coaches and my fellow swimmers who have supported me throughout the year, and I look forward to this coming Palarong Pambansa in Tarlac as learning and fulfilling experience again," Panganiban said.

With Panganiban leading the way, Davao City snatched the overall ranking in swimming. Compostela Valley came in second, while Igacos got third place.