Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) emerged victorious against two other Ateneo schools in the first ever All-Ateneo Swimming Championships held yesterday, August 2, at the Fr. Rodolfo Malasmas, S.J. Swimming Pool, Ateneo de Davao University, Matina Campus.

Swimming teams from Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), Xavier University (XU), and Ateneo de Davao University faced off in various events, namely the 50-meter and 100-meter Breaststroke, Backstroke, Butterfly, Freestyle, and the 200-meter individual and fun relay. These sub-events were divided into two sessions. The morning session started at 8 a.m., while the afternoon session started at 2 p.m.

The event, organized by Ateneo Aquatics in coordination with the Athletics office, was attended by 71 participants, with 29 coming from AdMU, 12 from XU, and 31 from AdDU. The event also boasted star power, with famous swimmers like Axel Ngui and Olympian Jessie Lacuna being around to compete.

AdDU swimming coach Rose Rodriguez said, “The plan is exposing the Ateneo de Davao swimmers to bigger events. Doble ang purpose [of the event], bringing [AdMU and XU swimmers] here to show our children, to show our Davao swimmers, to motivate them, and also for [AdMU and XU swimmers] to see Davao. So, everyone is excited [from] both sides.”

With a total of 18 gold medals, 18 silver medals, 18 bronze medals, and 17 4th placers, the AdDU swimming team won the championship by beating a star-studded AdMU side, which finished with the same number of gold, silver, and bronze medals but had only 16 4th placers. Third place went to Xavier University.The most outstanding college swimmers from the Men’s and Women’s categories were awarded to Axel Ngui and Hannah Dato, respectively.

The AdDU Synchronized Swimming team, composed of grade school students and high school students, performed during the Awarding Ceremony to cap the day’s events.

“It has been a good experience, the kids have been really happy with the experience being in Davao,” said Coach Archie Lim of AdMU. “I think we did well, we’re doing okay naman. Our main goal kasi is UAAP which is 6 weeks from now, and we want to see where we are, and so far, I think we’re doing okay,” he added.