TWO-TIME Olympian swimmer Miguel Molina is retiring from competitive swimming, denting the country’s hopes in forthcoming events but potentially boosting the chances of younger tankers.

The 26-year-old Molina is making room for youngsters and said he is willing to help the Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (Pasa) when he finishes his coaching education degree in the US, according to swimming chief Mark Joseph.

“To date, Molina and Ryan Arabejo have surpassed the 2012 Olympic qualifying standards with 16 months to go. So, it’s a big loss to our Olympic drive,” said Joseph.

“Pasa has learned a lot from Miguel what it takes to discover, support and develop an athlete to compete at two Olympics and three World Championships,” said Joseph, referring to Molina’s stint on the big stage.

“More important, Pasa and the swimming family are grateful to Miguel for his untiring effort, patriotism and good example to all swimmers. He raised the bar, raised the standard of Philippine swimming,” he added.

Molina ended a colorful 10-year career as a national swimmer highlighted by his remarkable performance in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games held in Thailand, where he was named the Best Male Athlete.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Molina, who also competed in the 2004 Games in Athens, was supposed to be the country’s flag bearer but a last minute change put boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in front of the delegation during the opening ceremonies.

Molina won four gold medals, three in the individual events—200-meter breaststroke, 200-meter individual medley and 400-meter individual medley—in the 2007 Sea Games. Molina was also part of the gold-medal winning 4x100-meter medley relay team together with Daniel Coakley, James Walsh and Ryan Arabejo.

Molina also won a silver and a bronze in the 2005 SEA Games the country hosted. In the 2003 Vietnam SEAG, Molina bagged one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

Joel Orellana, Business Mirror