In a remarkable display of talent and teamwork, brothers Rian Marco “Mico” Adiong Tirol and Victoriano Martin “Renzo” Adiong Tirol IV of the FAST-Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team, achieved a historic milestone at the 87th Season of the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Competing as teammates, the Tirol brothers contributed to the team’s success in a grand way in claiming their 9th straight UAAP swimming title by shattering swim records and claiming multiple gold medals during the championship held from November 17-20, 2024, at the Aquatic Center in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, Philippines.
Mico, now celebrated as the fastest breaststroker in the country, clinched four (4) gold medals while establishing four (4) new UAAP records. A veteran swimmer of the Ateneo Men’s Swim Team, Mico broke his own record he made last year in the 50m breast stroke and established a new record in the 100m breaststroke. Moreover his times of 28.77 & 1:04.12 mark the first time a homegrown swimmer register such impressive times. He also reigned supreme and established a new UAAP record in the 4x50m medley relay and the 4x 100 medley relay. It is noteworthy to mention that Mico, a member of the Philippine National Team, and Philippine Sports Ambassador, recently established a New Philippine Record in the 50m breast stroke at the World Aquatics World Cup Championship in Singapore.
Renzo, on the other hand made an impressive debut at the UAAP seniors Championship Games by earning two (2) New UAAP records and two (2) Gold medals. The younger Tirol contributed to the team’s historic success in rewriting the record books in the 4×100 freestyle relay and 4×50 medley relay competing alongside with his elder brother. The latter event saw the team breaking an eight -year-old UAAP record previously held by a line-up that included national swimmers and Olympian Jessie Lacuña.
The Tirol brothers’ outstanding performance not only solidified their legacy in collegiate swimming but also underscored the dominance of the FAST-Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team in the National arena. Both Mico and Renzo are alumnus of the University of Bohol Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center (UB VDTALC). (L.A.Boncales)