TRADITION, TALENT, and tenacity coalesce anew into the world’s toughest multi-sport festival this summer: the 2024 Olympics. Often respected as the most prestigious international sporting event, the Olympics hails athletes from all over the world for a quadrennial trial of skill and fervor.

As the torch is set to blaze in France this July, only cream-of-the-crop athletes can punch their tickets to Paris. With the Philippines sending in a passionate handful of qualified competitors, they undoubtedly inspire grit and perseverance among local players. Only every one in 1000 athletes has what it takes to be an Olympian, but it does not take a thousand athletes to inspire an Olympic attitude in any sport—it only takes one.

Blue Eagles in the Olympics

From global sensations to homecourt superstars, athletes have been eager to strive for excellence, demonstrate respect, and cultivate sportsmanship—three Olympic values that Blue Eagles never cease to uphold in the athletic field. Moreover, the collective vehemence that backbones Ateneo’s varsity teams stems from decades of skill and excellence shared by athletes across different sports.

Having collected 35 gold medals across five seasons at the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Swimming Competition, juggernaut tanker Jessie Lacuna made two exceptional Olympic appearances at the 2012 and 2016 meets. The Olympic veteran harpooned the Blue and White into a relentless pursuit of excellence in the water, as Lacuna still holds unbeaten records in the UAAP scene.

With the FAST Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team breaking through the tide to clinch their eighth championship title last Season 86, their continued prowess is a testament to Ateneo’s deep-rooted philosophy of magis. This spirit of striving for the greater good not only propelled Lacuna into back-to-back Olympic races, but it continues to inspire generations of Atenean athletes to have faith in their abilities whilst working together for the school’s prestige. 

This year, the Ateneo continues to trailblaze its own mark of excellence in the fiercely competitive realm of fencing. Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban takes on the piste as the latest Blue Eagle to earn a position in the Olympic games. With years of exposure to high-caliber combat and veteran dexterity behind her foil, Esteban is set to compete in Paris bearing vigor and steadfast determination—two hallmarks of the Blue and White identity.

The former Rookie-MVP’s monumental Olympic qualification is a testament to Ateneo’s empowerment of coursing through the toughest adversities with heart, rather than physical talent alone. Passionate for their respective pursuits, Blue Eagles embody the intangible sporting fortitude that athleticism alone simply cannot express.

Ateneans in the National Team

Bearing the colors on one’s uniform is a feat as daunting as it is special, as not all athletes have the opportunity to proudly don their national colors. The blue, red, white, and yellow are not mere symbols of athletic excellence, but a profound responsibility to stand for something greater as a testament to their commitment to hoisting the flag on the international stage.

For the few athletes selected to represent the country, the pride that swells within them is palpable. Now a mainstay in the Badminton National Team setup, reigning UAAP Women’s Badminton Most Valuable Player (MVP) Mika De Guzman is a manifestation of unwavering dedication. Such determination fuels fuels her journey, where sacrifices are badges of honor, worn and earned through steadfast commitment and an insatiable thirst for improvement. “Having the flag on my shirt, it wasn’t just a shirt anymore, it was more of a symbol of everything that I’ve been fighting for,” De Guzman shared. 

With years of relentless sacrifice and unyielding determination, the national athletes stand as a beacon for their nation, basking in the unwavering support of their fellow Filipinos. Along with this unparalleled opportunity, however, comes a formidable challenge—the mounting pressure of carrying the hopes of an entire nation on their shoulders.

As pressure is never out of the game, Ateneo Men’s Football Team’s Leo Maquiling harnesses it as positive motivation, having been recently included in the national team’s training pool. “I know that the whole country is behind us and that gives me extra energy to perform my best,” affirmed Maquiling.

Despite the myriad challenges student-athletes face—from the relentless demands of academic excellence to the systemic oversight and underfunding of underrated sports, their unwavering commitment and perseverance should never be overlooked. Their sacrifices are not in vain, ultimately serving as inspirations for the coming generations and embodying the ethos of Ateneo’s commitment to being persons for and with others.

The Blue-blooded Legacy

For Atenean athletes, the true pursuit of sports excellence commences with the Ignatian discernment of their aspirations and goals, which marks the inception of their greatness on the field of play.

De Guzman was initially inspired by her grandfather, who was also a former national team member, while Macquiling aspired to reach the professional echelons akin to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These role models ushered in a period of discernment for the two athletes. Their respective journeys are not merely about reaching a destination, but embracing a path driven by purpose—to be inspired and to commit.

At the heart of Atenean athletes lies a spirit forged in the fires of competition—a spirit encapsulated by the age-old adage, mens sana corpore sano (a sound mind in a sound body). Being a Blue Eagle champion is to master the art of finding balance within oneself. Enduring the grueling crucible of training and the unending expectations of physical prowess, athletes are left with drawing strength from their innermost depths.

“[The champion mindset] is what gets you up early in the morning for training, what pushes you through the pain. Keep that heart strong and always trust God’s timing. He makes all things beautiful in His time and that’s what makes you a champion,” De Guzman underscores.

Having the heart of a champion surpasses mere athletic conquests. Where motivation and physical vigor may falter, discipline prevails. Not all athletes may be given the opportunity to compete at the Olympic level, but that does not hinder the Blue and White from fostering a collective champion mentality. In fact, the emergent call to serve their school in the athletic field only compels them to soar above challenges the way Blue Eagles always have—with the heart of a champion, and the undying dedication of an Olympian.