From Doubt to Podium: Nicole Danielle Eijansantos’ Aquaman 2023 Story

Nicole Danielle Eijansantos, a coach at the Power Swim program of Bert Lozada Swim School, defied the odds and overcame personal challenges to achieve an unexpected podium finish in the full distance category of the Aquaman Aquathlon 2023. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the refusal to let circumstances define one’s potential. Despite initially expressing her concerns about participating due to her seizure disorder, Nicole’s unyielding spirit led her to embrace the race and ultimately reap the rewards of an “unwanted” triumph. Read on for her Aquaman Aquathlon 2023 story.

SBR: Can you share with us your experience as a coach at the Power Swim program at Bert Lozada Swim School? What inspired you to take on this role and how has it shaped your perspective on swimming and coaching?

Throughout my journey as a coach in the Power Swim Program of Bert Lozada Swim School, I have been fortunate enough to embark on an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling adventure. The path I have taken has been nothing short of a sweet ride—filled with memorable moments, personal growth, and remarkable achievements. From the very beginning, I have been captivated by the profound impact I can make on individuals’ lives, witnessing their transformative journeys unfold.

Each coaching session has been a joyous experience where I get to connect with my athletes on a deeper level, understand their aspirations, and help them navigate the challenges they face. Witnessing their progress and witnessing the positive changes they undergo is immensely gratifying. But, coaching wasn’t honestly the goal, it was being an Olympian and representing the Philippines for Triathlon. Not until I got massively injured as I was preparing for the qualifying race for the Youth Olympic Games. I got severely depressed as I thought to myself how all my efforts and sacrifices have been put to waste. Then this unfortunate event eventually revealed that I have a seizure disorder. After all the mishaps, I’ve found myself wanting to go back to the sport and what led me going back into Triathlon was the person who actually made me love the sport in the first place—my brother.

Kuya Kevin has always been an exceptional source of inspiration to me, in the world of triathlon, coaching, and in life. His unwavering dedication, remarkable achievements, and relentless pursuit of excellence have had a profound impact on my own journey, shaping not only my athletic endeavors, but also my perspective on life as a whole. Witnessing his relentless work ethic and determination has instilled in me a deep sense of admiration and a belief that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.

Him inspiring me has allowed me to be able to overcome setbacks and consistently strive for improvement, demonstrating the importance of resilience and a growth-oriented mindset. My ability to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth has paved the way for me to approach challenges both in my athletic pursuits and in other aspects of life. Truly, I owe my resilience in the face of adversity to him and our mom.

SBR: Let’s talk about your recent participation in the Aquaman Aquathlon 2023. What motivated you to join the full distance category?

I registered for the Aquaman Aquathlon solely for the reason that we wanted our Power Swim athletes to join the said event. I honestly didn’t have time to prepare for it as I was too focused on school and coaching.

SBR: A few days before the race, you expressed your desire to downgrade to the lite distance category due to your seizure disorder. Could you shed some light on your condition and how it affects your participation in endurance sports? We regretfully admit that we saw your message but unintentionally got to ignor it due to the busy nature of race organizing. Hehe. Can you walk us through your emotions and concerns during that time when you didn’t receive a response from us?

A few days before the race, I have come to realize how unprepared I was for it and so I messaged the organizer to express my desire to downgrade from full distance to the lite distance category due to my seizure disorder as living with a seizure disorder has undoubtedly presented me with unique challenges and understandably influenced my decision to make a comeback in triathlon. The unpredictable nature of my seizures and the potential risks associated with intense physical activity has somewhat created concerns and hesitations that discourage me from fully embracing the sport again.

Despite my message being sent, the organizers admittedly failed to reply as they were busy preparing for the event. However, it was still not much of a big deal for me as it was actually my shortcoming for not preparing for the race. And so I went on with the race and eventually and unexpectedly got the third spot in my age group.

My journey in triathlon has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the refusal to let my condition define or limit me. While living with a seizure disorder has presented its fair share of obstacles and uncertainties, I have learned to adapt, take precautions, and develop a deeper understanding of my body’s capabilities.

SBR: Despite the unexpected circumstances, you decided to stick with the full distance category and eventually podiumed. Can you share your journey during the race, including any challenges you faced and how you managed to overcome them?

My third place finish symbolizes the courage to pursue my dreams and push beyond the boundaries set by my condition. It demonstrates that with the right mindset, proper support, and a determined spirit, remarkable accomplishments are within reach.

SBR: Many might consider your podium finish in the full distance category as a triumph over adversity. How did this unexpected outcome impact your perspective on your capabilities as an athlete, and what message would you like to convey to others facing similar challenges?

My journey in triathlon has taught me that our limitations are often self-imposed, and by challenging those limits, we can discover a world of possibilities. It is my hope that sharing my story will inspire others to overcome their own obstacles, chase their dreams, and find the courage to participate fully in the activities they love. While my podium finish is undoubtedly a personal achievement, it is also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

SBR: How can people join Power Swim?

If you have resonated with this and want to have the same community that has rallied behind me throughout my journey, come join the Power Swim program of the Bert Lozada Swim School! Just send a direct message to the Facebook Page of Bert Lozada Swim School or go to Ace Water Spa in Pasig or in Quezon City to inquire. Come join our program and together, let’s redefine what is possible and inspire others to reach their own podiums, both in sports and in life.