Hechanova, Estrella surge BaCiPriSA with podium finish

Under the scorch of the sun, the waters ran a current overcome by Ignacian Marians.

Kurile Hechanova and Vienice Estrella snagged gold and bronze in the newly concluded BaCiPriSA meet 2026, under the secondary girls aquatic swimming event held in Montessori De Sagrada Familia (M.D.S.F.) Swimming Centre, Oct. 7.

Hechanova was named as the most outstanding swimmer for high school girls, after dominating five categories; 200-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle, collecting five gold medals.

“Stay humble, the games are not over yet! Stay hungry for more improvements,” said Kurile.

The 14-year-old recalls her most memorable moment was during her first event, the 400-meter freestyle. She explained how strikingly hot the weather was, followed by the challenge of dizziness after every tumble that exhausted her post-match.

Bordered by schools such as San Benilde, Immaculate Conception School of Baliuag, and M.D.S.F., her experience formed noticeable improvements on her personal mindset, planning, visualization of the race and setting a clear goal ahead of her.

“I’ve swam the freestyle events for so long na since my 2nd Palarong Pambansa. For me, I’d say I’m chasing times rather than my opponent’s pace,” the 8th-grader observed.

Hechanova was burdened with inadequacy in her training –  she lacked in her training sessions, consistency, and recognized how her mindset felt different. 

Amidst her preparation, her coach particularly stood beside the young swimmer; to mentor and guide her along the way ever since she returned to the waters post-pandemic. The drive of support that really felt special for her was from family and friends. 

Kurile will be seen in harmony with the waves once more in Baliwag’s City Meet.

“Just have fun during the match. Make most of it, make mistakes during training, find your support system, and lastly do your sport/career with passion, perseverance and integrity,” Hechanova stated.

Meanwhile, Vienice Estrella bagged bronze in the 200-meter butterfly event, fourth in the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and fifth in the 100-meter freestyle.

Estrella prepared mentally and physically for her events, the sudden fact known that she was going to swim 200-meter Butterfly was a heavy risk as it was not part of her plan.

The tenth grader expounded how her confusion with counting during the 200-meter butterfly became an unforgettable key memory. Purely trusting on her instinct to swim two laps gave her a shocker bronze medal in that event.

“Every event, I felt nervous on the diving block, but as I dive down into the pool, I felt the cold water as I swam and put aside the worries instead,” Vienice emphasized.

The 15-year old swimmer highlighted the sheer joy of being able to compete with her teammates, seeing her loved ones support her amidst the competition, and the guidance of her coach’s instructions before she dives into the waters.

“Take the risk and love what you do. It makes it more enjoyable and thrilling as we take risks and by finding the joy of doing what we love,” Estrella said.