AIDA PH Freediving Team: Meet Rolly
We caught up with each member of the AIDA Philippines Freediving Team to get a glimpse into their minds during their busy training schedule. Despite their hectic routines, they generously spared us a few minutes to share their thoughts on the process.
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Meet Rolly, a member of the AIDA Philippines Freediving Team and the current Vice President of AIDA Philippines.
Photo By: Mark Dizon
So Rolly, can you share some stories about your preparation process for this competition?
R: Well, I regularly hit the swimming pool as part of my work-life-balance routine. But for this competition, I've had to make some adjustments and train in a 50m cold pool. The pool in Jeju is 50m long and the water temperature is 26c, so my body and mind need to adjust to that kind of setup.
That sounds challenging. Can you tell us how you got into competitive freediving in the first place?
R: I've always been a fan of marine life and wanted to see it up close. When I moved to KL for work in 2018, I met some freediving buddies who were into competitive freediving. I got curious, tried it out, and got hooked.
Rolly during their team training, Aquatics Center, New Clark City. May 2023. Photo by Raymond del Rosario / Sanghinga
As a national athlete, how does it feel to represent your country?
R: It feels surreal, to be honest. I've represented Malaysia and Singapore before, but representing my own country is a whole different level of pride.
What motivated you to join this competition?
R: I hope to inspire other Filipino freediving athletes, both new and aspiring, to believe in themselves and compete at an international level.
Photo By: Nhei Salvador / Sanghinga
What has been the biggest challenge in preparing for this competition so far?
R: I've faced quite a few challenges leading up to the world championship. Earlier this year, I lost my father, and it forced me to pause my training for a while. But I had to get back on my feet for him, and so I'm dedicating my performances in the competition to him. The biggest challenge I faced was contracting COVID-19 during Holy Week, which really threw off my training plans. Despite this setback, I remained optimistic and kept pushing forward. Another challenge for me is balancing my demanding corporate job, which pays for this sport. I have to make the most of my free time on weekends to train, but it's all worth it for the love of the sport.
That sounds tough. How do you balance the physical demands of freediving training with the need to avoid injury or burnout?
R: I don't focus too much on the numbers in freediving. Instead, I make sure I'm enjoying what I'm doing, which helps me avoid burnout and injury. I also incorporate mobility exercises into my workouts to stay flexible.
Can you tell us a bit about your teammates?
R: We're all passionate about the sport and willing to make sacrifices to pursue it.
Regardless of the outcome, what do you hope to achieve from this competition?
R: This is the first time the Philippines will be represented in a global freediving event, so it's a big milestone for the community. Regardless of the outcome, I hope other freediving athletes will be inspired to follow in our footsteps.
And finally, do you have a message for your supporters?
R: I would like to thank all our supporters for their continued support and prayers. If you have the means, please consider donating. We may not win, but we'll do our best to represent our country with pride.
Rolly with fellow board member and AIDA Philippines President, Ramar Acuña.
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