Amid unfavorable odds, the FAST Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team (FAST) entered day four of the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Swimming Tournament determined to protect the crown they had defended for the past five years. Down 13 points to archrivals De La Salle University (DLSU) at the end of day three, the Blue Eagles mounted an incredible comeback to extend their championship run to a historic six-peat.
From Seasons 77 to 81, the Blue Eagles dominated as they shattered countless records in the UAAP. While the past five seasons featured superior performances from FAST, Season 82 provided the Blue and White with a different narrative. The loss of two-time Olympian Jessie Lacuna and Season 79 MVP Aldo Batungbacal signaled the potential end of their dynasty, while DLSU maintained its strong lineup of swimmers. “Before [Season] 82, we were dominating sa Men’s [division]. We would double the points of the next team. [This season], even I wasn’t convinced of winning,” stated FAST Program Director Archie Lim.
Upon the departure of the five-peat’s core swimmers, Season 82’s roster consisted of only 12 swimmers. Because of this, each swimmer had to compensate by swimming in events they did not necessarily specialize in.
Given the team’s situation, ace breaststroker Ianiko Limfilipino agreed to backout of his favorite 200m Breaststroke event a few months prior to the UAAP. Instead, Limfilipino swam the 200m Backstroke alongside Team Captain Aki Carino on day two. In doing so, he was able to make way for the team’s other breaststrokers while earning points for the event that lacked specialists.
“I gave up my 200m Breast [stroke] because I believed that [my teammates] can still win and get as many points without me. I [knew that I could] contribute more points to the team by swimming in a different event,” voiced Limfilipino. While he only finished fifth in the 200m Backstroke, the points that Limfilipino garnered made a positive difference in the team’s score.
“Before [Season] 82, we were dominating sa Men’s [division]. We would double the points of the next team. [This season], even I wasn’t convinced of winning.”
– FAST Program Director Archie Lim
Entering day four with a 13-point deficit against DLSU, more sacrifices ensued as freestyle-specialist Miguel Barlisan committed to the 50m Backstroke in order to garner more points for the Blue and White. Barlisan readily took on the backstroke event as the team continued to be undermanned for the event. Fortunately, the swim was worth the risk as Barlisan bagged a silver medal.
“I’m pretty content and glad I swam the [50m] Backstroke knowing it would have contributed more to the team’s points. Unlike the freestyle event, it wasn’t a sure medal. [However,] I knew [that] it was a sacrifice that needed to be done,” said the Season 80 Rookie of the Year.
The team’s strategy to garner points across various events allowed them to catch up to DLSU. By the final event of the season, the Blue Eagles were comfortably ahead by four points. In the deciding 4x100m Medley Relay, Carino, Joshua Taleon, Drei Buhain, and Drew Magbag swam to a silver medal finish, ahead of their fourth-placed Taft-based rivals. This last showdown sealed Ateneo’s sixth straight swimming championship.
The beauty of FAST’s Season 82 crown came from the selfless sacrifices that the Blue Eagles made. Ateneo’s unmatchable team effort that came with the contribution of each swimmer turned out to be a rewarding strategy for the Blue Eagles as they continued their historic dynasty.
