CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A sixth-grader from Rosevale School made waves in the pool, winning six medals at the Panagsidla: Rise of the Champions 2026 swim meet held here over the weekend.
Xarles Axle P. Montecillo dominated the Grade 6 division at LC5 Farm & Resort on Aug. 22–23, collecting three gold, two silver and one bronze medal in the two-day competition.
Montecillo topped the 1,500-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly, while placing second in the 400-meter freestyle and 200-meter backstroke.
He also earned bronze in the individual medley relay.
His performance placed him among the meet's top individual performers as swimmers from across Southern Mindanao gathered for the second leg of the Philippine Aquatics Short Course Competition.
The event, organized by LC5 Aquatics, was also part of the sporting activities for General Santos City’s annual Tuna Festival.
Montecillo shared the individual spotlight with fellow standout swimmers Kraigar Ameleigh, who won three golds and a silver, and Isla Jewel F. Bumatay-David of Shalom Crest Wizard Academy, who collected one gold and three silvers.
Mikko De Leon of Holy Trinity College also posted a strong showing with one gold and one silver.
Beyond the medal race, the meet provided young and developing swimmers with opportunities to gain competitive experience.
Novice events included 25-meter style races and kickboard competitions designed to introduce grassroots athletes to organized competition.
Swim clubs from across Southern Mindanao joined the meet, including the Sarangani Mighty Manta Rays and Antonette Muyco Swimming Team.
For Montecillo, the six-medal haul adds another milestone to his young swimming career—and puts the spotlight on the potential of young athletes competing beyond their home pools.
