THE ATENEO Swimming Team (AST) has once again demonstrated their top-tier caliber as three members competed at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. Rafael and Miguel Barreto, along Rian Tirol, represented the country to bring Philippine athletic pride to international waters.
From October 24 to 26, Incheon, Republic of Korea hosted the second stop of the Swimming World Cup Series at the Namdong Asiad Swimming Pool. The Barretos and Tirol showcased their skill across a range of events, such as Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Medley races in various distances.
The Blue Eagles qualified for this prestigious tournament after their impressive performance in the Short Course (SC) tournaments during the Philippine Aquatics National Trials held last August at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Day 1
On the opening day, all three Blue Eagles added to their already impressive career records.
The older Barreto brother, a veteran international competitor, clocked in at a remarkable 54.65 seconds in the 100-meter Butterfly for 20th place. Notably, this performance marked Baretto’s personal best time in this category.
Miguel Barreto then displayed utmost endurance after braving the 400-meter Freestyle with a time of 04:02.08 for Rank 24 while setting a personal best. Tirol followed suit to also secure his best personal record in the 100-meter Breaststroke, securing 25th place with a time of 01:01.44.
Day 2
On the second day of competition, Miguel Barreto set personal records anew for four events. For the 50-meter Freestyle and 50-meter Butterfly, the 21-year-old finished with times of 24.30 seconds and 26.93 seconds, respectively. He conquered the 100-meter Freestyle in 50.15 seconds, and lastly the 200-meter medley in 02:13.92 minutes. Showcasing his swimming prowess, the Blue Eagle showcased managed to secure Top 30 finishes for all four events.
Tirol further solidified his Breastroke records as he set a new personal best for the 50-meter race, clocking in at 27.73 seconds for an admirable 18th-place finish. Rafael Barreto also competed to land 43rd place in the 100-meter Freestyle, finishing in 51.98 seconds.
Day 3
The Blue Eagles sustained excellent swims until their final day in Incheon, with all three athletes once again securing personal bests for their events that day.
Miguel Barreto capped off his run by placing 22nd in the 200m Freestyle, finishing in 01:50.72 minutes. Meanwhile, Tirol continued to impress in the 200m Breastroke clocking in at 02:21.05 minutes for 28th place. Finally, the senior Baretto concluded their international stint, securing 32nd place in the 50-meter Butterfly with a time of 24.56 seconds.
With notable results throughout the competition, the Blue Eagles aim to strengthen AST’s bid for a ninth-consecutive title at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Men’s Swimming Tournament happening this November.
