September 30, 2024 (2:11 PM)

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MAKING WAVES, CHASING VICTORY. Business and Management Vipers swimmer Lamont Baptista, along with other cluster representatives, in their set position during the Men’s Swimming category at the Palarong Atenista 2024. Photo by Clyd Warren Cenojas

The Business and Management (B&M) Vipers surged through the water and took home the gold in the Men’s Singles Swimming Tournament in the Palarong Atenista ‘24.

Despite halting his competitive career in swimming, B&M Vipers’ Kuiper Leybag made a comeback and breezed through opposing swimmers to be dubbed as the overall champion in the men’s division.

“I’m very honored because for years, I’ve gone out in water, and now I’m returning to podiums while proudly representing my cluster along with my teammates and cluster event managers,” Leybag said. 

Leybag utilized a combination of smooth and consistent strokes alongside powerful kicks to easily cruise by his opponents and bagged the 50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 25m Breaststroke, 25m Backstroke event in the men’s category. 

“I humbly believe I remained highly disciplined and determined to win before and during the event. In specific circumstances, I used drills and dryland exercises that my prior coaches had taught me. No rest days and cheat days,” Leybag stated. 

Riding high with smooth body coordination, Leybag kicked off his campaign with an easy win in the 50m Freestyle by gaining a significant lead among his opponents.

With the gained momentum, the B&M Vipers’ representative maintained his flourishing body mechanics leading into his 50m Breaststroke and Backstroke which he easily dominated. 

Although Leybag was seen as the favorite to win it all, he had a slow start in the 50m Butterfly but made an adjustment with his stroke to crawl from behind and secure the event.

“Most people stop and get distracted halfway through. However, people who have a strong desire to win have already marked their victory,” Leybag stated.

As he astonished the crowd with his speed and consistency, Leybag also bagged the 25m Breaststroke by putting in a masterclass performance, topping the event with a huge margin against his opponents. 

Leybag continued his utter dominance in the tourney as he would close out the event by securing the 25m Backstroke in smooth sailing fashion, not giving a glimmer of hope to his opponents.

“My learning for the entire tournament is you just simply have to be passionate about representing and going all out, there is no halfway,” said Leybag.

The Social Sciences (SS) Dragons came in second, followed by the School of Nursing (SON) Panthers, who placed third.

The swimming tournament was held last September 22 at the Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus.



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