• A. V. DEL CARMEN
A swimming star is rising.
He is 12-year-old AJ (Aehro Jeush Tibus), a native of Barangay Talubangi in Kabankalan City.
AJ returned from the May 24-31 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City with three medals. He topped the elementary boys 50-m freestyle with his 27.46 clocking and took another gold medal after anchoring the Western Visayas 4×100-m freestyle relay squad.
He and his teammates won the silver in 4×100-m medley relay.
AJ also posted Top 4 finishes in three other swimming sprints – 50-m butterfly and 50-m and 100-m breaststroke.
For AJ, the Laoag 50-m freestyle victory came as sweet redemption from his 2024 Palaro stint in Cebu where his only triumph came in the relays – a gold in 4×50.
AJ, who now stands almost 5’7”, has proven he has come a long way since he started swimming lessons at Zaycoland in Kabankalan City at the age of 6.
He is the eldest of the two children of Aaron John Tibus, a seafarer, and wife, the former Rhea Joy Florentino, a bank employee.
“We’re glad his dedication, experience and training paid off (he trained for at least four hours a day in preparation for the Palaro),” said his grandmother, Romelin Florentino. His mother added: “We saw your pain, sacrifices and dedication and God is so great that he answered our prayers… Continue to grow in His love…”
He was coached by Kurt Garzon.
The multi-awarded swimmer was named Top Athlete of Southland College during the school recognition rites held recently.
The school as well as the city and provincial governments issued congratulatory messages for his sporting achievement.
He was also named top NOPSSCEA tanker and the most bemedalled swimmer at the 2025 Regional Western Visayas Athletic Association Meet, which was held in Antique in March. The swimmer was accorded the same honors in the 12-under category at the Speedo Interschool Championship held at the University of St. La Salle in October last year.
***
AJ’s drive for excellence goes beyond his swimming age-group activities.
He completed his sixth grade studies on top of his class and received the Diwa highest honor award. He was also named leadership awardee having served as president of the Southland Supreme Pupil Government.
At the same time, he was the recipient of the Exemplary Conduct Award and was cited for proficiency in, among others, Communication Arts, Science and Journalism.
This school year, AJ is expanding his sporting and academic horizons by enrolling at the University of St. La Salle Integrated School for his Grade 7 studies.
***
In an interview with Negros Weekly, AJ said he draws inspiration from his swimming idol, Michael Phelps, an Olympic multi-medalist.
He also encouraged fellow young swimmers to pursue their live for the sport:
Our Q&A:
How did you feel after winning in the Palaro, especially in the individual event?
I felt extremely happy and proud. Winning in the individual event was especially meaningful because it showed how far I’ve come as an athlete. All the hard work during training, along with the support of my family and coach, truly paid off.
Do you have a swimmer idol?
Yes, my idol is Michael Phelps. I admire him for his dedication, discipline, and the way he maintained his performance at the highest level for so many years. His achievements inspire me to keep pushing myself.
Phelps, one of the most decorated Olympic swimmers, also started at a young age like me. He won a lot of gold medals and was loved by his peers.
I was inspired by one of his interviews – when he said that people see him as “just a swimmer”. For me, definitely, he’s more than just a swimmer. He is a role-model, a son and a father. One can be good a swimmer and also be as good in another field.
What was challenging about your preparation for Ilocos?
One of the biggest challenges was managing my full training schedule every day. I had swim training in the morning, gym sessions in the afternoon, and another swim session after that. Even though it was summer break and there were no classes, doing three sessions a day required a lot of discipline, energy, and focus.
What word of advice can you give to fellow kids who’d like to get into swimming or competitive swimming?
Be patient and trust the process – progress takes time. Stay consistent, listen to your coach, and always give your best in training. Most importantly, learn to enjoy what you’re doing. Love the sport, even on the hard days.
***
His grandmother said AJ is momentarily setting set his career goals on pursuing a mentoring career so he can also train future swimmers and students.
At the same time, he wants to continue excelling in higher competitions, like the Olympics, Southeast Asian Games and other regional and continental events.
If the Olympic dream materializes, AJ will be the third Negrense to represent the country in the quadrennial games after Francisco Guanco (100-m and 200-m breaststroke at Los Angeles in 1984) and Lasallian Juan Carlos Piccio (1,500-m and 4×400-m medley at Sydney in 2000).
“Competing in the Olympics is one of my biggest dreams. I know it takes a lot of hard work and commitment, but I’m willing to give my best to reach that goal, he said, adding: “I’d be honored and, at the same time, grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. I will also feel proud because not everyone will get the chance to participate in these events.” | Photos courtesy of AJ Tibus’ family
