Jessie Lacuna Explained

Jessie Lacuna
Honorific Suffix:OLY
Fullname:Jessie Khing de Guzman Lacuna
Nationality: Filipino
Strokes:Backstroke, butterfly, freestyle
Club:Bulacan Bullsharks Swimming Club, Philippine Aquatic Sports Association Inc.
Coach:Carlos Brosas
Collegeteam:FAST Ateneo Varsity Swimming Team
Birth Date:23 December 1993
Birth Place:Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines
Height:5 ft 7 in (2012)
Weight:65 kg (2012)

Jessie Khing de Guzman Lacuna (; born December 23, 1993) is a Filipino former competitive swimmer who competed in the freestyle and butterfly events. He had, overall, won 26 Gold medals in Philippine Olympic Games and 7 in SEA Age Group Swimming Championship, he represented the country Philippines in Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.[1]

Lacuna had a total of 51 gold medals, consisting of 35 at national and 16 at international titles. He also qualified as universality in FINA in 200 meters Freestyle at the 1st SEA Swim Championships. He had timed at 1:53.84 in which he ranked first as of in the Philippines' federation.[2]

Early life

Lacuna was born and raised in Barangay Paltao, Pulilan, Bulacan. His potential in swimming was discovered when he was a child, through the neighboring resort where he often swims with his parents since he was months old. His parents made him wear inflatable armband that helps him paddle on water. This soon became his pastime.[3] At the age of 6, he already started joining swimming competitions at school.

In 2001, Lacuna had his first national competition at the age of 8 that, winning a gold medal in the 100 meter freestyle event.[4] His first win at a national event took him into various other national competitions, including the Philippine Olympic Festival. Bulacan BullSharks Swimming Club was Lacuna's first swimming club where he competed as a high school student at Bulacan State University Laboratory High School, division in 2005.

Until turning college, the Philippine Olympic Committee recognizes Lacuna's overall 32 gold medals in the Philippine Olympic Games and other local swimming competitions. He joined the national club in the Philippines which molds athletes into international prospects. This then leads him to entering the Asian Games.

Career

Batang Pinoy National Championship

The first nationals competition had lacuna raced is the 2nd event of Batang Pinoy National Championship held in Laguna. He set his record as one of a youngest gold grabber in the competition, composed of a gold at 1:02.71 time in the event 100 LC Meter Butterfly and silver with 2:05.35 in 200 LC Meter Freestyle. His winning meets grant of "Dangal ng Pulilan Awardee" in Pulilan, Bulacan.

Nevertheless, at the 3rd Batang Pinoy National Championship in Bacolod, lacuna upshots only one silver medal at the event. Consequently, he gains a silver and bronze at 4th Batang Pinoy in Puerto Princesa, Palawan competition.

Philippine Olympic Festivals

At Nationals, Lacuna was bestowed the Most Valuable Player award in the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival. He earned manifold medals composed of 13 gold medals in the events 100m freestyle, 200m butterfly and 50m freestyle.[5] [6] Although, that time lacuna was expecting only 11 gold to bring home,[7] however, the two breaststroke events was folded gold at 100m and 200m breaststroke. He joins as his first entry in Philippine Olympic Festival competitions represented in Bulacan which were held at Vigan, Ilocos Sur in 2007.

The Philippine Olympic Festival in 2008 held in Olongapo City, lacuna obtained 13 gold same in the former game event.[8] He races the events of 400 Individual Medley, 400 m Freestyle, 200 Backstroke, 200 m Breaststroke, 200 m Butterfly and 100 m Freestyle.

Palarong Pambansa

At 49th Palarong Pambansa, lacuna adds two gold, two silvers and bronze in 2006 held in Naga City. He swims in 100 LC Meter Backstroke where he gains silver at 1:09.67, 50 LC Meter Butterfly with bronze at 00:30.15 times, in 100 Long Course Meter Freestyle he gains gold at 1:01.41 and 100 LC Meter Butterfly silvered at 1:05.62.[9] In 400 LC Meter Medley Relay, Lacuna grouped Gerard Gelanga, Gene Ryan Ebue and Fritz Marnold Agapay who are at 4th where 5:12.43 in final time. Nevertheless, in final results lacuna have headed the golds.

In his second event to compete in Palarong Pambansa 2007 at Koronadal City, Cotabato, he picks up only 3 bronze.[10] Hither, on the other hand lacuna bestowed "CLRAA Consistent Highest Pointer" as of Most Valuable Player in swimming where his points from 3rd Grade school to High school made him focal by region.

2011 Philippine National Games

At the first country show of Philippine National Games competition in 2011, Lacuna got 6 gold medals and a silver.[11] He started swimming at Bacolod, Panaad Swimming Pool where he competed in the 200 m Freestyles, 100 m breastroke, and 50 m Freestyle events.[12]

On the first day of the event, Lacuna competed in the 200 LC Meter Freestyle at 1:55.94 that best a qualifying entry-time. Also, he includes gold in the event 100 LC Meter Breaststroke at the time of 1:11.21 and 50 LC Meter Freestyle event that clocked at 00:25.02.[13]

At Nationals day two, in the event 200 LC Meter Individual Medley he has gold at 2:11.76 time with a straight winning of 50 LC Meter Breaststroke at 00:31.89 clocked. However, he chucked silver in position of 200 LC Meter Medley Relay at 2:30.67 which he grouped his brother Dexter John Lacuna also includes John Philip Castillo and Armand Joshua Reyes who are compete as a Bulucan competitors in the event.[14]

SEA Games

At the 25th Southeast Asian Games, lacuna silvered the 4 × 200 m Freestyle Relay. His 7:31.10 times is a trial in his first joining SEA Games where held in Vientiane, Laos.[15] Lacuna batched Ryan Arabejo, Charles Walker, and Miguel Molina in Philippine Team.

In 2011, the 26th SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia are his second combat to excel medals.[16] However, he represented the Philippines with silver as of 1:52.23 in the event 200m freestyle.[17] Also, he adds two bronze at 4 × 100 m and 4 × 200 m Freestyle Relays.[18]

Lacuna sets his new national(Philippine) record in 2013 Southeast Asian Games. He clocked 00:51.52 seconds in 100 meter freestyles but fall through finishes 5th in finals.[19]

2011 World Aquatics Championships

In 14th FINA World Championship in Shanghai, China in 2011, Lacuna however only hits heats qualifier wherein he did not advance at the competition. He had rank 40 in Men's 200m Freestyle at 1:52.27, rank 36 in the event 200m Butterfly at 2:04.23.[20] Indeed, he represents as a Philippine competitor who buckle-up to raise its mark.[21]

2012 Summer Olympics

In the 2012 London Olympic Games, Lacuna[22] was his Olympic debut participation in one swimming event, the 200-meter freestyle competition.[23] The Philippine Olympic Committee sent him to London after he was given a wild-card slot. Lacuna then was currently holding the record as the fastest Filipino swimmer,[24] wherein he added two gold medals to his[25] national games haul, and will also the youngest Filipino contingent participating in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

On July 29, 2012, at the London Aquatics Centre, Lacuna raced in heat 2 where he opposed Matias Koski (Finland), Radovan Siljevski (Serbia), Mario Montoya (Costa Rica), Sebastian Jahnsen Madico (Peru) and Raúl Martínez Colomer (Puerto Rico).[26] Nevertheless, at the heat's results, Lacuna made ranked 36 that clocked 1:54.23 with difference at +3.07 where he swim short course racing at lane 6.

On the event, at 50 meters, he contest smooth in rank 3 that clocked 26:03 seconds. At 100 meters, he climbs in rank 2 timed at 53:82 seconds on splitting of 27.79 seconds. Underway, he is flawless over rank 2 at 150 meters timed at 1 minute and 22.67 seconds with a split of 28.85 where he countered Peru in the chase. However, lacuna concludes time at 1:52.91 where he ranked 5 of the heat with splitting time of 30.24. Consequentially, he is at 36th in the results wherein he did not qualify for semi-finals.[27] In contrast, lacuna's coach, Pinky Brosas stated that he was speedy at 100 meters but race inconsistent at the rest meters,[28] coach Brosas adds through Lacuna's excitement and adrenaline-rush was his grounds to speed on the first half,[29] although, he was in the mark of his presentation to learn the consequence.[30]

2013 Philippine National Games

In the 2013 Philippine National Games, Lacuna bags 9 gold medals that was includes 100-meter butterfly with 58.62 seconds, 200m individual medley in 2:13.39 minutes, 50m freestyle in 24.64 seconds and 100m breaststroke in 1:11.55 minutes.[31]

UAAP

Lacuna was awarded as co-Athlete of the Year for the Individual Sports category in the UAAP Season 78.[32]

Retirement

On December 12, 2019, after his final game in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Lacuna announced his retirement from the national team after swimming for 10 years[33]

Records

Personal Bests

EventTimeCompetitionLocationDate
200m Butterfly2:00.892015 Southeast Asian Games Singapore Singapore2015
400m Freestyle3:59.75Asian Games[34] 2010
200m Freestyle1:50.732015 Southeast Asian Games Singapore (2015) Singapore2015
100m Freestyle00:51.292015 Southeast Asian Games Singapore2015
50m Freestyle00:24.44Southeast Asian Age Group[35] Philippines2010

International Achievements

20132013 Southeast Asian GamesNaypyidaw, Myanmar6th100 m Freestyle00:51.52
201211th FINA World Swimming ChampionshipsIstanbul, Turkey56th200 m Freestyle01:54.18
74th100 m Freestyle00:51.57
2012 Summer OlympicsLondon, United Kingdom36th200 m Freestyle01:52.91
Southeast Asian Federation Championship[36] Singapore9th100 m Freestyle00:52.10
20112011 Southeast Asian GamesPalembang, Indonesia2nd200m freestyle01:52.23
3rd4 × 100 m Freestyle Relay03:27.95
3rd4 × 100 m Freestyle Relay07:36.93
14th FINA World Championships[37] Shanghai, ChinaFinisher200 m Butterfly02:04.23
Finisher200 m Freestyle01:52.27
Southeast Asian Age Group[38] Vietnam2nd100 m Freestyle00:53.12
2nd200 m Butterfly02:08.37
2nd200 m Butterfly02:08.37
2010Asian GamesGuangzhou, China6th4 × 100 m Freestyle Relay03:27.32
7th4 × 100 m Freestyle Relay03:26.90
Youth Olympic GamesSingapore8th200 m Freestyle01:50:90
Southeast Asian Age Group[39] Manila, Philippines1st200 m Freestyle01:54.57
1st100 m Freestyle00:52.81
1st400 m Freestyle04:04.13
1st50 m Freestyle00:24.44
2nd100 m Butterfly00:57.34
Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships[40] Singapore1st200 m Butterfly02:03.01
1st100 m Freestyle00:52.13
1st100 m Freestyle00:52.39
2nd400 m Freestyle04:03.00
NSW state age championshipsSydney, Australia1st200 m Freestyle01:52.55
2nd100 m Butterfly00:56.43
3rd100 m Freestyle00:52.51
20092009 Southeast Asian GamesVientiane, Laos2nd4 × 100 m Freestyle Relay 07:31.10
2009 Asian Youth GamesSingapore7th100 m Freestyle00:53.07
SEA Age Group Swimming ChampionshipKuala Lumpur, Malaysia2nd200 m Freestyle01:55.59
4th400 m Freestyle04:09.92
2008SEA Age Group Swimming ChampionshipBangkok, Thailand3rd100 m Freestyle00:54.85
2nd200 m Butterfly02:13.13
2nd100 m Butterfly00:58.88
1st400 m Freestyle04:13.84
1st200 m Freestyle01:58.57

Personal life

Growing up, Lacuna's two elder brothers, Billy and Dexte, were his inspiration to be determined in being successful in swimming. His objective to swim was because of his family's zealousness in swimming. His two brothers also compete in swimming events. Another contributor to Lacuna's motivation in swimming is his admiration to fellow Filipino swimmer Akiko Thomson and Eric Buhain, and legend Michael Phelps’ great achievements in local and international swimming.[41]

Physique

In swimming, Lacuna suits for a young Filipino athlete physical attribution. His 5feet height offers propulsive row reference to a long, thin torso. He has maximum thrust that enables him belt up into water. Weighing 65kg (143lb) provide smooth hydrofoil augmentation on speed.

Carlos Brosas

Carlos Brosas became Lacuna's coach[42] once he became a member of the national swimming team. Brosas was at Trace College coaching in Los Banos, Laguna in Trace Aquatic Sports Complex where Lacuna and Alkhaldi trains and studied. Lacuna stated that Brosas will be his coach at London Olympics.[43]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://speedo.com.ph/athletes_biography.php?d=Local&f=JessieKhing Jessie Khing de Guzman Lacuna: Achievements
  2. http://www.fina.org/H2O/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=805 World Swimming Rankings
  3. Gasgonia, Dennis (2012) "Filipino Olympian: Jessie Khing Lacuna", ABS-CBNnews.com Retrieved July 18
  4. Vanzi, Sol Jose (2001)"Laguna retains Batang Pinoy Championship", Philippine Headline News Online Retrieved Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Jan. 28
  5. Manila Bulletin Websites and Publications (2007)"QC, Laguna take swimming honors", Manila Bulletin: Sports Retrieved November 17
  6. Navarro, June Inquirer (2007)"Baguio athletes rule Olympic Festival", Inquirer Opinion: Sports Retrieved March 13
  7. Manila Bulletin Websites and Publications (2007) "Bulacan swimmer wins 13 golds", Manila Bulletin: Sports Retrieved March 12,
  8. http://www.gensantos.com/2008/12/22/gensan-ranks-2nd-overall-champion-in-3rd-philippine-olympic-festival-results/ 3rd Philippine Olympic Festival results based on the Medal Standings
  9. Philippine Amateur Swim. Assoc (2006)PALARONG PAMBANSA 2006 Retrieved – 5/9/2006 to 5/12/2006
  10. http://palarongpambansa.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/2007-palaro-records/ 2007 Palaro Result
  11. Navarro, June (2011)"Swim, track stars dominate PNG", Sports:INQUIRER.net Retrieved May 25
  12. Leyba, Olmin (2011)"Asian Games vets hammer the rest ", The Philippine Star Sports Section Retrieved May 26
  13. Luna, Richard G. TG (2011)"2011 POC-PSC GAMES ", Results PASA National Aquatic Center Retrieved May 25
  14. Philippine National Games (2011)"2011 POC-PSC GAMES", Results PASA National Aquatic Center Retrieved May 26
  15. GMA Network Inc. (2010) "Youth swimmer Lacuna a work in progress", Sports: GMANews.TV Retrieved March 26
  16. Henson, Joaquin (2012) Swimmers make it the hard way, The Philippine Star July 25, 2012
  17. JVP, (2011) "Bemedalled tanker Molina retires", GMANews.TV Retrieved January 14
  18. Balabo, Dino (2011)"Lacuna's Olympic dream put on hold", The Philippine Star Retrieved November 11
  19. The Daily Tribune Publishing Inc. (2013) Lacuna sets new RP mark, but fails to win in Myanmar Retrieved March 5, 2014
  20. Omega Data (2011)"14th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS", FINA Retrieved July 26
  21. http://www.swimmingpinas.com/ Swimmingpinas.com
  22. Lagman, Kris (2012) "London-bound swimmer Lacuna wins 400-m freestyle gold in national games", InterAKTV Retrieved May 29
  23. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (2012) "Men's 200m Freestyle", Swimming - Athletes The List Section:Sports
  24. Mintiscool06, Ballerpinas (2010) "Jessie Lacuna is the fastest filipino swimmer", BallersPinas: Philippine Basketball and Sports Scene Delivered Fresh Retrieved May 28
  25. Lagman, Kris (2012) "Lacuna adds two golds to national games haul; Dolloso shatters triple jump mark", InterAKTV Retrieved May 31
  26. http://www.london2012.com/swimming/event/men-200m-freestyle/phase=swm012900/index.html Men's 200m Freestyle
  27. Fopalan, Renee (2012) Olympics: PHL bet Lacuna falls in 200m freestyle qualifiers, GMA News July 30, 2012
  28. http://manilastandardtoday.com/www2/2012/07/30/lacuna-misses-olympic-swimming-semifinals/ Lacuna misses Olympic swimming semifinals
  29. http://sports.inquirer.net/55423/swimmer-lacuna-bombs-out-in-mens-200-freestyle Swimmer Lacuna bombs out in men’s 200 freestyle
  30. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/07/30/12/lacuna-bows-out-olympic-swimming Lacuna bows out of Olympic swimming
  31. Marc Anthony Reyes (2013)Lacuna nails 9 golds; Fil-Am rips hurdles mark Philippine Daily Inquirer Retrieved June 5
  32. News: Alyssa Valdez, Ian Lariba, Queeny Sabobo, Jessie Lacuna named UAAP co-Athletes of the Year. Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Terrado. Reuben. May 21, 2016. May 21, 2016.
  33. Web site: Jessie Lacuna calls it a day after SEAG. Li. Matthew. 2019-12-12. Tiebreaker Times. 2019-12-16.
  34. http://www.gz2010.cn/info/ENG_ENG/ZZ/ZZS103A_SW@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ENG.html Swimming - Sport Related Information
  35. http://pinoywall.com/philippines-summer-olympics-london/ Philippine Team on 2012 London Summer Olympics
  36. Swimming.org (2012) "Southeast Asian Federation Championship", Results Retrieval
  37. http://results.wa.swimming.org.au/PersonalBest.aspx?ID=112025 14th FINA World Championships, Philippines A.S.A. (PHI)
  38. Vietnam Aquatic Sports Assoc. (2011)"Southeast Asian Age Group", Results Vietnam Retrieved October 06
  39. PASA National Aquatic Center (2010) "34TH SEA AGE GROUP SWIMMING CHAMP", Results: Jessie Lacuna Manila Philippines Retrieved June 3
  40. Singapore Swim Assn-1st S. Asian Champ (2012)"Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships", Results Singapore Retrieved June 13
  41. Ropeta, Patrick Camara (2012)"Young Filipino swimmers set for Olympic debut", ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau: Global Filipino Retrieved July 19
  42. The Philippine Star (2012)"Nat'l athletes getting taste of Olympics in buildup ", Sports Home Retrieved July 11
  43. Malaya Business Insight (2012)"3 Olympians leave for pre-Games camp", Sports Retrieved 28 June