Teofilo Yldefonso - The Ilocano Shark

Teofilo Yldefonso is considered to be the finest Filipino swimmer in history.

Born in Piddig, Ilocos Norte on February 9, 1903 and known as the "Ilocano Shark" because of his speed.His fastest time was 2 minutes and 48.4 seconds in the 200m breaststroke.
He is best remembered for accomplishing two feats: being the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal and the only Filipino who won two Olympic medals. He won his first bronze medal at the 200m breaststroke event at the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics, and his second bronze at the same event at the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. His fastest time was 2 minutes and 48.4 seconds in the 200m breaststroke.

Teofilo Yldefonso - an Ilocano pride. The remarkable Ilocano strength and speed is mirrored in his athletic prowess and continues to inspire the present and future Filipino athletes to strive, to achieve and to excel in world sports.