Although it's a long shot for an Olympic medal in swimming in the presence of powerhouse countries like USA and Australia, our very own James Walsh was able to set a new Southeast Asian record and became the first pinoy to break into the 2-minute bracket.

Walsh set the Southeast Asian record in the 200 meters butterfly stroke by one minute and 59.39 seconds and ended up first in his heat. Aside from being the first Filipino to swim under the two-minute barrier, he is also the first Southeast Asian to do so.

“He has brought the SEA Games record to a new level,” PASA president Mark Joseph said.

On Monday, Walsh ended up 29th of 44 aspirants. Michael Phelps of the US emerged on top of the qualifiers with an Olympic record-breaking time.

On the other hand, another Philippine record was broken courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. She surpassed her qualifying total (186) in women’s 58kg weightlifting.

Southeast Asia’s Most Valuble Player Miguel Molina is the next RP swimmer to see action in the 200m breaststroke heats.

MEDAL TALLY

Here are the Top 10 Countries as of August 12, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

1	China	11	3	4	18
2	USA	7	6	8	21
3	SKorea	5	5	1	11
4	Italy	3	4	2	9
5	Australia	3	1	5	9
6	Japan	2	1	2	5
7	Great Britain	2	1	1	4
8	Czech Republic	2	0	0	2
9	Russia	1	4	3	8
10	NKorea	1	2	3	6