Kayla Sanchez, Team PH finish Asian Games women's 4x100m freestyle relay final with DSQ mark

Kayla Sanchez and Team Philippines missed out on the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay podium after receiving a “DSQ” (disqualified) mark in the final of the said event in the 2026 Asian Games on Sunday at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Japan.

Sanchez, alongside Teia Salvino, Xiandi Chua, and Heather White, finished the race but were handed a “DSQ” result due to an “early take-off” by one of the swimmers.

The Philippines got off to a strong start, with Sanchez finishing second after the first 100 meters, before the Filipinas dropped to third after White’s leg.

The squad then dropped to fifth after Chua’s leg before they were eventually disqualified during Salvino’s final lap.

According to Philippine Aquatics secretary general Eric Buhain, as released to POC Media, there was a gap between Chua's touch and takeoff of Salvino's foot.

China captured the gold medal with a time of 3:33.10, breaking a tournament record of 3:33.96 set by China as well in 2023. Hong Kong seized the silver with 3:36.59 while host Japan took the bronze with 3:39.09.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA News