NCR’s Titus Sia claims triple gold, smashes two Palaro records
Records reset.
Twelve-year-old NCR swimmer Titus Rafael Sia from San Juan made waves on the opening day of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa swimming events, capturing three gold medals and setting two new records at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City on May 27.
A former bronze medalist in the 2024 edition of the games, Titus soared to new heights in this year’s competition, dominating the elementary boys’ division by winning all his events.
Guided by coach Miguel Ibateza, the young athlete showcased remarkable improvement and determination, establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in Philippine youth swimming.
Titus first shattered the 200-meter freestyle record, touching the wall at 2:07.86 and eclipsing the previous mark of 2:08.12 set by Central Luzon’s Rafael Barreto.
He followed it up with another record-breaking swim in the 100-meter backstroke, clocking in at 1:05.44—surpassing the long-standing 2015 record of 1:06.38 by fellow NCR swimmer Martin Isaak Seth.
Capping off his stellar performance, Titus joined teammates Reighlem Scziyo Salon, Findlay Jake Mackenzie, and Joshua Erik Chua in the 4×50-meter medley relay.
The team clinched gold with a time of 2:06.83, securing NCR’s dominant start in the swimming competition. | via Martin John Sibayan / City of Mandaluyong Science High School
