Jamesray Ajido turned in an improved performance in the men’s 100-meter butterfly but fell short of a podium finish at the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Sunday.
The Filipino swimmer clocked 55.16 seconds in the final at the Complexe Tour de l’Œuf pool, shaving time off his morning qualifying mark to finish fifth among the eight finalists.
Despite the improvement, Ajido could not keep pace with a field of taller competitors, ending his bid for a medal in the event.
Egypt’s Ali Sain claimed the gold medal after touching the wall in 53.96 seconds, matching his time from the heats. Serbia’s Aleksej Kalan took silver in 54.61 seconds, while Slovakia’s Marias Kristof secured bronze in 54.66 seconds.
India’s Tirthank Pegun finished fourth in 54.98 seconds, just ahead of Ajido.
The lone Southeast Asian in the final, Ajido skipped the mixed-zone interviews following the race.
The decorated junior standout will have another opportunity to make his mark on Tuesday, when he competes in the men’s 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly events.
Meanwhile, fellow Philippine bet Riannah Coleman is set to begin her campaign in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke on Monday. She will compete in the second of two heats scheduled for 11:02 a.m. Senegal time.
Team Philippines has nine athletes competing in the Youth Olympic Games, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.
