FOR MANY athletes, nothing is bigger than representing a country that has long prided itself on its passion for sport.

For Ateneo Track and Field Team stalwart Russel Ricaforte and Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team Captain Joshua Del Rio, that very source of inspiration has become reality as they prepare to wear the nation’s colors in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand, this year.

What once began as a dream nurtured in the fields and pools of Katipunan now stands on the brink of fulfillment. Both Ricaforte and Del Rio have risen from the collegiate ranks to the international stage, embodying the spirit of perseverance and purpose that defines the Atenean athlete.

A league of their own

Every champion has their spark ignited somewhere. In Ricaforte and Del Rio’s case, it was lit under the familiar Ateneo sky, where competition was fierce and victory was earned, not given.

For Ricaforte, the road to Bangkok began with a dream he had carried since childhood. “It was a really fulfilling moment [because] it was a childhood dream of mine to become a national athlete and to represent the country in [the] SEA Games,” he said, recalling the day he was told he made the team.

That drive carried Ricaforte through years of disciplined training. He  followed a rigorous plan, explaining that he had to balance preparing for the SEA Games while refining his skills in collegiate competition. 

Those preparations bore fruit even before the biennial meet, most notably in August, when he broke a 34-year-old national record in men’s discus throw—a performance that marked his rise from a collegiate standout to a legitimate international contender. “There’s a factor of pressure,” he admitted, “but it’s good pressure. It helps me improve and focus.”

Meanwhile, Del Rio was quietly commanding Ateneo’s swimming lanes. The team captain, known for his steady leadership and calm composure, reflected on his own moment of pride. “Of course, I felt really happy. I even had a bit of tears because it felt like all my hard work finally paid off,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

As captain, Del Rio has long understood the weight of expectation, explaining that leadership is not about being loud but about being consistent, showing up, and reminding the team that they are stronger together.

Though their arenas differ—one commanding the field, the other the pool—both athletes share the same conviction: every victory, no matter how small, is a step toward something greater. 

Southeast Asia’s finest

As Del Rio and Ricaforte reap the fruits of their time in the Blue Eagle nest, both athletes shared their aspirations for the SEA Games, expressing that they hope to achieve greater heights.

Notably, both athletes expressed their ability to win a medal in the upcoming SEA Games. 

Ricaforte, in particular, provided a thoughtful answer regarding his mentality. “Maybe, I’ll say it now—kaya ko manalo ng medal sa SEA Games. Put that on record,” the discus thrower claimed, showing confidence and self-belief.

(Maybe, I’ll say it now—I can win a medal in the SEA Games. Put that on record.)

Echoing this belief, Del Rio, speaking in a more solemn tone, shared his own aspirations. “I’ll say it, mag-memedal ako. I’ll try,” the racer said. (I’ll say it, I will win a medal. I’ll try.)

The athletes’ differing approaches to proclaiming future victories reflect contrasting personalities, which in turn shape their distinct leadership styles. Ricaforte commands with towering confidence, while Del Rio leads with a solemn presence. Yet, despite their differences, both shared the same grit and perseverance needed to excel in the international stage.

Diving deeper into the topic, Del Rio and Ricaforte emphasized that the key difference between local and international competition lies in mentality. While one might expect differences in physical training, both Blue Eagles claimed that the heightened caliber of international athletes makes mental preparation crucial. With this, they rely on their coaches to sharpen their mentality, ensuring they can perform well under greater pressure.

Del Rio reflected on this mindset shift saying, “My training program has remained consistent; it’s more of a mental challenge balancing academics with training, and not overthinking things.” In a similar fashion, Ricaforte also mentioned his different mindset entering international competitions. “You have to be mentally prepared,” he shared, noting how the sight of bigger and stronger opponents abroad can easily test one’s confidence. 

In preparation for the SEA Games, both Ricaforte and Del Rio are staying in the Blue Eagle nest to grow their wings further. Although Ricaforte began his athletic journey in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, while Del Rio has always worn blue and white, both athletes point to Ateneo as the place where they honed their craft. 

Ateneo’s pride

The hill between the Earth and sky has been a training ground for Ricaforte and Del Rio. Both athletes spoke about how Ateneo’s culture—emphasizing winning and magis—has provided them a framework for success in all arenas of life. 

In particular, the homegrown swimmer mentioned that his roots at Ateneo de Davao formed his identity in the pool, especially magis. The racer shared, “The value of magis has been one of my main driving forces in sports. Ever since I was young, I’ve always believed I can do something—but I can always do more. You never know what you can achieve if you push yourself beyond what’s expected.”

Ricaforte echoed similar feelings, even adding the great lineage of Blue Eagles who serve as his inspiration. “Of course, [the former Blue Eagles] make me want to excel more. Ateneo has such a strong sports tradition, and I wanted to adapt that winning, championship mentality—not just for the UAAP, but in international competitions as well,” he said.

Both athletes’ respective sports provide a unique avenue to be of service for the Blue and White on their uniforms. Ever since Del Rio was a fledgling watching his older eagles fly, he knew that his dream was to represent the school based in Loyola Heights. To this, Del Rio disclosed that he feels the surrealness of representing the Ateneo on the international stage. 

Meanwhile, for Ricaforte, his Ateneo journey came through destiny. He shared that he was about to join the workforce as a teacher when the Blue and White tapped him, prolonging his playing career. Reflecting on his time at Loyola Heights, the thrower spoke about how Ateneo’s sports culture pushed him to aim higher. In pursuit of that medal, Ricaforte carries a daily fire, constantly refining his craft to reach the pinnacle of his sport. 

For both athletes, the SEA Games appearance may mark the pinnacle of their athletic journeys. The Blue Eagle duo will not only represent Ateneo, but also the Pearl of the Orient Seas, bringing along a sense of pride that only a few will fully understand. Yet despite their success and differing backgrounds, Del Rio and Ricaforte will point to one nest where they grew their wings—the Ateneo.

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted prior to the start of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.