Swimming: Alkhaldi update from Asian Games

UH swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi’s stint at the Asian Games ended without an appearance in the finals. But Alkhaldi, the lone female swimmer representing the Philippines in the meet, did reach a couple of goals during her stay in Incheon, South Korea.

The top eight qualifiers advance to the event finals and Alkhaldi was ninth in her first three — the 100-meter freestyle, 100 butterfly and 200 free — and finished 10th in qualifying in the 50 freestyle on Thursday.

UH associate coach Jennifer Buffin, who is serving as coach of the Philippines team this week, reported in an e-mail that Alkhaldi’s times in the 100 and 200 free met qualified her for next year’s FINA World Championships in Russia. Her time in the 200 free of 2:02.84 was also a personal best.

Alkhaldi had a cheering section for her 100 freestyle heat when the Philippines basketball team showed up at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Center. The group included former UH basketball player Jared Dillinger, now a member of Gilas Pilipinas.
“It was great to meet him and talk UH sports and feel the Ohana all the way in Korea,” Buffin wrote.

Upon returning to campus, Alkhaldi will resume preparing for her senior season, which begins Oct. 24 at San Diego State.

Jasmine Alkhaldi’s qualifying times at the Asian Games
Sept. 22: 100-meter freestyle — 56.92 (ninth)
Sept. 23: 200-meter butterfly — 1:02.34 (ninth)
Sept. 24: 200-meter freestyle — 2:02.84 (ninth)
Sept. 26: 50-meter freestyle — 26.35 (10th)