Despite being the youngest competitor in the men’s swimming competition at Intramurals 2024, Gabriel Marco Acas, the rising star of the Senior High School (SHS) Legends, showcased exceptional speed and tenacity at LC5 Resort, taking on seasoned rivals and emerging victorious, proving that age is no barrier to greatness in the pool.
photo by Rayjie Carillo
Setting the tone for his upcoming events, Acas made a splash in the 25-meter butterfly stroke, cruising to victory with a commanding lead to clinch the gold medal, an impressive performance that not only showcased his skill but also hinted at his early dominance in the tournament.
After narrowly missing gold with a silver finish in the 50-meter butterfly, he bounced back with impressive wins in the 25-meter and 50-meter freestyle, and his effortless triumphs in both events not only showcased his versatility but also propelled him to the top of the MVP race, establishing him as the swimmer to watch as the tournament progressed.
As the perfect finale to his dominant run, he clinched gold in the 100-meter individual medley, holding off more experienced rivals with precision and power, and his performance throughout the tournament left no room for doubt, cementing his status as the competition’s premier athlete and placing an emphatic exclamation point on the discussion of the tournament's best athlete.
“At first, I did not expect to be MVP because it was my first time competing against adults, and I thought I had little chance of prevailing over them; I was also intimidated by my opponents when I first saw them, but my confidence began to build after I won my first event,” shared Acas, the young phenom of SHS, who revealed that many of his rivals were athletes he had faced in regional events and Batang Pinoy, and he overcame his doubts by staying calm and setting the tone with a commanding performance in his initial swim.
The young prodigy also revealed that, despite being the youngest competitor, he has been swimming competitively since 1st grade, gradually improving over the years and honing his skills as time went by; he dedicated countless hours to training, overcoming challenges along the way, and drawing inspiration from his parents, which fueled his passion for the sport and helped him develop a fierce competitive spirit.
Legends' competitor journey in swimming, defined by his dedication and remarkable performances, not only highlights his talent as a rising star but also serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, age becomes just a number in the pursuit of one's dreams.
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