EXEMPLIFYING TREMENDOUS grit and determination in the water, three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player Chloe Daos extends her reign beyond the pool, showcasing success in other areas of her life.

Overcoming challenges that greatly tested her commitment to swimming, Chloe built her momentous career from the desire to improve her skills and be an everyday inspiration to others. With her versatility, she continues to assert her dominance in academics and explore her entrepreneurial spirit prior to concluding her collegiate years.

Dawn of a phenom

Initially afraid of the water, Chloe overcame her fear at three years old and eventually became fond of swimming. When she began taking formal swimming lessons, Chloe decided that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her uncle who swam competitively. Possessing a natural talent for the sport, she began joining international competitions at seven years old and topped the Southeast Asian (SEA) Age Group Swimming Championships at the young age of 12.

With her increasing commitment to swimming, she persevered and continued competing throughout high school where the sport slowly became a passion. In 2014, Chloe faced her greatest challenge as she aimed for the opportunity to swim in the Youth Olympic Games where she had to notch a qualifying time A or B to participate. Despite successfully obtaining the qualifying time A, Chloe watched another swimmer represent the country as the Philippines was only given one slot. This took a toll on both her mental and emotional well-being and affected her ability to train.

Although missing the competition was disheartening, it inspired Chloe to charge across the swimming pool. After the tournament, she continued to train and even garnered the Athlete of the Year recognition twice in her final years at the Immaculate Conception Academy.

Strength in weakness

Coming into Ateneo in her freshman year, Chloe went through various adjustments within the University’s athletic and academic systems. Joining the FAST Ateneo Women’s Swimming Team (FAST) a year after their failed attempt to nab the championship in Season 79, Chloe immediately had to step up during her rookie year. She learned to be flexible both as an athlete and an individual, swimming in other events beyond her specialties—freestyle and butterfly.

Consequently, Chloe’s efforts were recognized as she took home multiple individual awards while leading the Lady Eagles to a championship in Season 80. In her debut season, Chloe was named the MVP, Rookie of the Year, UAAP Athlete of the Year, Ateneo Lady Eagle of the Year, Makabayan Awardee, and The GUIDON-Moro Lorenzo Sportswoman of the Year.

However, amassing multiple recognitions in her debut season came with massive pressure as the expectations from her teammates, coaches, and the Ateneo community heightened. Even now as a veteran, Chloe admittedly feels the weight of having to maintain her flawless individual record and surpassing her previous ceiling.

“[I am] very pressured. There were times that I get really super anxious and super nervous just thinking about it ‘cause I knew that a lot of people were sort of expecting me to perform and were on the lookout for me,” she explained.

Hoping to keep inspiring people, the Queen Eagle learned to embrace the pressure as she set her focus on improving her time and strokes. “Growing up, my main motivation shifted to being an inspiration to others. Knowing that I get to motivate them to pursue their dreams and improve every day makes me want to swim even more,” she said.

Apart from her ability to contribute to the team’s points, Chloe saw how she became a source of strength to her teammates by encouraging them to continue swimming even when they wanted to quit. Realizing her impact to the Lady Eagles, she became more persistent, finding a greater purpose to pursue her athletic career. With the added motivation, Chloe led FAST to two more UAAP titles while also bagging two more MVP honors, an Ambrosio Padilla Athlete of the Year award, and another The GUIDON-Moro Lorenzo Sportswoman of the Year citation.

While the UAAP has been the highlight of her career, the cancellation of Season 83 took away the possibility of another spectacular run for her. Despite this, Chloe sees it as an opportunity for her to continue bonding with her teammates and a chance for her to pour more energy into academics and her entrepreneurial ambitions.

Finesse off the pool

With more time on her hands during the quarantine, Chloe decided to begin her venture into a baking business called All About Bread PH. Growing up with a passion for baking, Chloe normally shared her baked goods with her family and friends who often expressed their approval. Earning the support of her loved ones, she was encouraged to turn her passion into a business that sells pastries and a variety of other baked goods.

However, just like any other start-up, Chloe’s biggest challenge was gaining customers. Eventually, All About Bread acquired more attention and expanded its reach with the help of social media platforms.

Because Chloe is considering a professional career in marketing after graduation, she has become determined to succeed in her venture since it also serves as her training ground for the future. Currently, her business continues to thrive with more customers and daily bulk orders.

Establishing her commitment to endeavors beyond the pool, Chloe has become a well-rounded woman who proves ready to dominate even in the face of difficulties.

Establishing a legacy

Despite being in the water for most of her life, Chloe has grown both as an athlete and an individual. By overcoming numerous hurdles, she has humbled herself and grown stronger as a person. Although she has nothing left to prove in UAAP swimming, Chloe continues to improve herself in all aspects of her life, making her forever deserving of a name that echoes the identity of a true Queen Eagle.