Paris Olympics swimmer Kayla Sanchez is up for a new challenge as she aims to compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand next year.

“I want to make a statement and win as many golds as I can in my first SEA Games,” said Sanchez, who represented the Philippines in her second consecutive stint in the quadrennial meet

“LA 28 is down the road so I'm gonna show the Philippines what I can do,” she added.

Sanchez, a silver and bronze medal winner with Canada in the Tokyo Games three years ago, will start her training in September and will vie for a national team spot in freestyle, backstroke, medley and relays events.

“So many opportunities for medals and it'll be my first SEA Games representing the Philippines. And oh, I'm so excited,” Sanchez continued.

As the country celebrated the homecoming of the Paris Olympians Tuesday night, Aug. 13, Sanchez was grateful of having the privilege to enter the Malacañang Palace along with her family.

“Very special, something that I've never experienced before. I felt honored and my family was with me, sa Malacañang and for them to grow up here and to make all the sacrifices that they did for me.

“And stand up there with me in Malacañang, that’s very special and it makes me happy,” she added.