Miguel Molina, the country’s best bet in swimming, prepares for practice Monday at the Vientiane Aquatic Center. He admits to be slower but is hoping for the best. (Photo by ALBERT GARCIA)

VIENTIANE — Swimmer Miguel Molina says he’s half-a-second slower than two years ago, but hopes that the hi-tech body suit he’ll be using will compensate for the discrepancy.

Molina, 25, is out to match the four gold medals he won in the Southeast Asian Games two years ago in Thailand, but admits he’s not fast as he used to be.

“It all depends on how my rivals are doing these days. If they have improved, then I’m in trouble,” said Molina prior to the team’s first practice.

After securing a diploma in international studies at the University of California-Berkeley, Molina went back to Japan where his family is based.

Molina resumed training under a Japanese coach who put emphasis on endurance rather than speed.

“I don’t like his method, but I trust him,” Molina said. "My coach told me that he was preparing me for the future."

His coach is Takahiro Mori, a medley specialist who won the gold medal in the 200-meter individual medley in the Busan Asian Games.

“I used to swim against him,” Molina said.

Molina had initially planned to quit the sport following his graduation, but reconsidered.

“It’s all because of the economy. I figured that it would be better for me to continue swimming until such time that the economy improves,” he said.

To make both ends meet, Molina teaches English part-time. He has five students whom he meets once a week for an hour each.

Molina isn’t sure how long he will stay competitive.

“Let’s see first how things turn out,” he said.

While guarded about his chances in the individual events, Molina, a two-time Olympian, is oozing with confidence in the relay events.

“We have a very good chance of winning three relay events. I would be happy to contribute the best I can,” he said before excusing himself.

Molina, with seven SEAG gold medals under his belt, is entered in both medley events, the 200-meter breaststroke, 200-meter freestyle and three relay events.

He is the defending champion in both medleys and breaststroke and is a member of the victorious 4 100-meter medley relay team that captured the gold medal in Thailand.