Aklanon swimmer caps 2025 with medal haul, record year

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At just 15 years old, Aklanon swimmer Nuche Veronica V. Ibit capped 2025 with a standout season highlighted by three national meet records and a total of 70 medals across multiple competitions.

Ibit set one meet record at the Batang Pinoy National Championships 2025 by establishing a new mark in the 50-meter freestyle.

She went on to break two more records at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, again in the 50-meter freestyle and in the 4×50-meter freestyle relay.

Across all competitions in 2025, Ibit amassed 56 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and four bronze medals.

She opened the year at the 16th Dinagyang Swimfest in January, where she was named Most Medalled Swimmer in the girls’ 13–14 category after winning six gold medals in freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley events, along with three silver medals and two bronze medals, including a relay event.

In March, Ibit led the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet in San Jose, Antique, capturing five gold medals and adding silver and bronze finishes in relay events.

Her strong run continued in April at the 1st Aklan Day Swimfest, where she earned the Most Outstanding Swimmer award in the girls’ 15–16 category after collecting seven individual gold medals, two silver medals, and four relay medals.

Later in April, she competed in the Junior National Championships tryouts organized by Philippine Aquatics, Inc., where she won three gold medals and one bronze medal in the girls’ 14–15 division.

At the Palarong Pambansa in May, Ibit delivered one of her strongest performances of the year, winning four gold medals, two silver medals, and setting new meet records in the 50-meter freestyle and the 4×50-meter freestyle relay.

She also excelled in midyear competitions, earning Most Outstanding Swimmer honors at the Capiz TurboShark Swim Meet in July and at the 3rd Iloilo Charter Day Swimming Competition, where she dominated both individual and relay events.

Ibit capped her national campaign at the Batang Pinoy National Championships in October, where she again claimed Most Outstanding Swimmer recognition after sweeping five gold medals in butterfly and freestyle events.

She also represented the Philippines at the 14th ASEAN School Games, finishing inside the top eight in four freestyle and butterfly finals.

The year ended with another strong performance at the Provincial Meet in December, where she was named Most Medalled Swimmer after winning six gold medals, including a relay event.

Ibit began swimming at the age of seven after her mother, Cheyenne, enrolled her in a basic swimming class for recreation and safety.

Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks, competing in high-level local, national, and international events.

She has been trained by Coach De Leon since her early swimming lessons, with part of her preparation involving swimming five to six kilometers daily to build endurance.

Despite her achievements, Ibit has credited her success to her faith and to the support of her family and friends, whose sacrifices allowed her to compete regularly throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Ibit aims to qualify again for the Palarong Pambansa and hopes to represent the Philippines in international competitions, with the long-term goal of winning a medal on the global stage.