BEYOND THE rigid training structure that resulted in multiple awards for Rona Lalimo, she has been as free as the waves in exploring the different endeavors of her life. Whether it be in the pool or through her art, Rona’s excellence manages to transcend all aspects of her life.
Bona fide winner
Before becoming a highly decorated swimmer, Rona took swimming lessons at the tender age of eight to improve her survival skills. However, her coach back then saw her potential in the sport and suggested that she start swimming competitively—and Rona started out joining novice competitions. Before she knew it, Rona was competing in the annual Palarong Pambansa where she became increasingly passionate about swimming—something she attributes to the support of her parents and coaches.
“When I entered my novice competition, I was the most valuable player agad. I’m really glad I listened to both my parents and my coaches as well, because in sports it’s a trinity: Your parents, your coach, and the swimmer should work together,” Rona mentioned.
After placing second and fourth in the 50m and 100m breaststroke in the 2012 Palarong Pambansa, different University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) member schools offered Rona high school scholarships. She decided to commit to the University of Santo Tomas for practicality as her family resided near the school.
Rona’s dominance continued in the UAAP Juniors’ Division where she became a Season 76 Rookie of the Year, three-time UAAP Scholar of the Year, and four-time Thomasian Most Valuable Player—collecting 37 UAAP medals in the process. However, she pointed out that among the awards she garnered in high school, the Scholar of the Year is the most prestigious because it reflects her values and dedication towards her academics.
Graduating from high school with a decorated UAAP Junior’s career, Rona was again offered scholarships by different UAAP schools. After discussing her options with her parents, Rona chose Ateneo because of her goal to be a pillar of support for her parents.
A newcomer to the Ateneo Swimming Team, Rona was aware of the work she needed to put in given the stellar swimmers on the roster. In preparation for her rookie year, Rona spent at least 40 hours per week training in the pool and in the gym. This team-wide dedication and passion translated to success in the UAAP as the Women’s Swimming Team secured their three-peat and Rona acquired two gold medals in the 50m and 100m individual breaststroke events.
Despite all the time that Rona spends training—whether online or not— she always finds a way to excel in her academics and explore new hobbies.
Academics and the arts
Beyond the swimming pool, her mantra of giving it her all has applied to her academics, where she ensures that she always produces quality work. Currently a junior in BS Management Engineering, Rona has consistently been on the dean’s list in every semester since her freshman year.
Aside from juggling academics and swimming, Rona also has a strong passion for the arts. Her parents discovered her artistic talent at the age of three after realizing that Rona was drawing portraits of people while her peers were drawing stickman figures. As a way to grow in artistic skill, Rona studied art under the tutelage of national artist Fernando Sena. As time passed, Rona developed more interest in the arts because it allowed her to be more free.
“There’s no rule in the arts. Art is meant to be created beautifully, not perfectly,” Rona said.
Coming from a middle-income family, Rona started accepting art commissions in 2017 to ease financial burdens on her parents. She worked with different companies and organizations like Swim with Jasmine Alkhaldi and Buela Therapy through logo design, social media management, and the creation of marketing packages. Besides being a commissioned graphic artist, Rona also runs an Instagram account with some of her artworks—a way for her to share her talents to the world.
Admittedly, Rona identifies with other artists in society as she also considers herself to be underpaid. This is also why she is a business major; she seeks to change people’s perspectives on the value of Filipino artists.
“I really want to establish that those people fighting under the banner of the arts—yung mga alagad ng sining (the followers of the arts)—I envision them to be as highly respected as businessmen, lawyers, and engineers,” Rona said.
Just the beginning
Akin to free-flowing water, the swimmer of 13 years goes beyond the four walls of the pool and ventures out into different endeavors—from swim meets to expressive artworks. Her mantra of always doing her best has helped her as a student-athlete to excel inside and outside swimming.
For Rona, the person she is today is a reflection of how she has always been: Free as the waves when it comes to growing in passion for the things she loves in life.
