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UP tanker Rafel Sta. Maria takes his passion to greater heights




By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

It takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work to attain such discipline in the world of sports like swimming. But this lad has a lot more to offer in University of the Philippines Diliman Varsity swimming team.  Let us take a peek at his achievement and more about his swimming career.

Born Rafael Reyes Sta. Maria on February 17, 1997 in Quezon City, the 5-foot-7 tanker from University of the Philippines recently won in the UAAP season LXXIX swimming competition. Rafael is currently taking up BS Architecture in UP Diliman.

UP team composed of Rafael Sta. Maria, Alfred Rojo, Lans Donato and John Carlo Doragos placed second in the Men’s 400M Freestyle Relay clocking 3:40.01. Rafael also placed 6th in the Men’s 200M Freestyle clocking 2:01.86. He also placed 4th in the 50M Men’s Butterfly ticking in 26.75 in the preliminaries.

“I balance my studies and my athlete life through proper time management. Since I’ve been swimming since kinder, I got used to training after school hours. Once I arrive home, I give ample time to do my home works. I dedicate my weekends for my family and friends, especially my Mom. During Sunday afternoons, I start again with my school works if ever I do have. But if I don’t, I give myself time to sleep since I’m an athlete, I have to get enough rest to start another week”, quipped Rafael.

The Maroon tanker had already been a part of the RP Youth team. “We may not always win but we do give our opponents a good competition. We are not really lagging behind other countries but we’re actually a good competition to others”, said Rafael. He also believes that our athletes can improve locally without training overseas. “I think we should improve our sports programs and sports facilities”, added Rafael.

With determination, perseverance and faith in God, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of swimming in the very near future.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com


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