LIKE Filipino chess Super Grandmaster Wesley So, record-breaking Fil-Belgian swimmer Maxime Rooney should be playing for the Philippine tri-colors in international competitions.
But like the young chess wizard, the 17-year-old swimmer is a member of Team USA.
Rooney wanted to represent his father’s native land Philippines but was turned down by the national swimming association because, according to him, “They wanted to impose the one-year residency rule.”
“I knew each federation has their own residency rules, and I completely understood where they were coming from,” he added.
However, because of his studies and training in the US, it was impossible for him to live in the Philippines for an extended time.
“I manage to do well in my academics and swimming because I have a great support system. My family does a really good job with organization and sticking to our schedule. As goes my performance in each area, I give my all to each area of my life whether I’m at the pool or in school,” said Rooney, who was introduced to the sport at age five.
The 6-foot-4 Rooney set the world junior record for 200-meter freestyle at the US Nationals held last August. His time was one minute and 47.10 seconds, erasing the old mark of Japan’s Reo Sakata of 1:47.23. The existing Southeast Asian Games record is 1:49.22 set by Daniel Bego of Malaysia in 2009 in Vietnam.
Soon after his record-setting swim, Rooney was tapped by Team USA and now has a chance to compete in the 2016 Olympics.
Maxime’s father, Kennan Radaza Rooney, was born in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu but migrated to the United States in the late 1960s. The Rooneys are related to the Radaza political clan of Lapu-Lapu.
The elder Rooney is the nephew of Arturo “Boy” Radaza, a former Mayor and Congressman of the lone district of Lapu-Lapu City, and the cousin of Rep. Aileen Radaza.
Rooney wanted to join the Philippine swimming team but did not come to terms with Philippine Swimming Incorporated president Mark Joseph.
Bandera tried to get Joseph’s side but he has not replied to emails.
“Initially, my dad and I chose to represent the Philippines in international competition because it was the best shot at the Olympics for me at the time,” said Rooney, who chose to have a dual citizenship (Filipino and American) when he applied for citizenship in the USA.
Rooney, however, is proud of his Cebuano lineage.
“I am half Filipino and half Belgian. I love the unique mix,” he said. “My favorite part about being a Filipino is our family gathering in Christmas. We eat a lot, laugh a lot, and enjoy each other’s company.”
But will he still swim for the Philippines?
“I will not swim for the Philippines anymore. I’ve chosen to represent USA in international competition. USA Swimming has given so much to me already in opportunities and I’m very grateful for their involvement and support in my journey,” he said.
Still, Rooney is confident some other Filipino swimmer can make it big in the Olympics and perhaps win a medal for the country.
“Filipinos just have to dream big,” Rooney said. “Trust your family and your coaches. Trust God and His journey for you. And most importantly, have fun.”
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