April 17, 2018, VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — After asserting his dominance in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet, top swimmer Shawn Joseph Castro seeks to break two records and a podium finish in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa here.
Aiming to punctuate his swan song in sweet fashion, the young Sagradan tanker seeks to break two national records in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events to be held this week.
Castro will have to face a daunting task of shattering the national records, but he is locked in to pull off the feat, noting his hardships in training and inspiration from his family, coaches, and teammates.
Asked about how he felt before the aquatic races set off today, Castro shared his preparations for this huge moment.
“I feel pressured in a good way, like to train harder and prioritize more important things like my food and rest,” Castro said.
The young Sagradan tanker hauled in seven medals in the regional meet last February to be hailed as Central Luzon’s Most Outstanding Swimmer in the elementary category, setting up a berth on the national stage for the second time in four years.
Castro teamed up with fellow Viking Mico Angelo Del Poso and the rest of Region III Aqualads last year in the 50-meter relay event, where they won a bronze medal.