By: Nicole Parallag
Athletic success often stems from a powerful mix of talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of those who believe in you.
For Russel Ricaforte, that steadfast supporter has always been his father.
Together, they built a dream – one that recently turned into a historic reality at the UAAP Season 87 Athletics Tournament in Capas, Tarlac.
Ricaforte etched his name in the record books with a stunning 47.80-meter throw in the Men’s Discus Throw, surpassing the long-standing mark of 47.28 meters set by Ed Delina of the University of the Philippines.
His performance not only secured a gold medal for Ateneo de Manila University, but also delivered the school its second gold in the tournament, following Hassan Lorana’s historic victory, which ended an eight-year drought.
“Unbelievable,” Ricaforte said, still in awe of his feat. “I thought my last throw was just 45 meters, but when I heard 47.80 meters, I still can’t believe it. ‘Kase ang motivation ko, gusto ko lang manalo, gusto ko ma-achieve yung break record dito sa UAAP.’”
At just 24 years old, Ricaforte’s achievements go beyond medals and accolades – they represent a lifelong journey shared with his father.
His dad wasn’t just a parent cheering from the sidelines; he was Ricaforte’s coach, training partner, and unwavering motivator.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung dad ko, bibiyahe siya every morning, five or six a.m., magtr-tricycle na siya, then mga four p.m. uuwi na para lang may taga-pulot sa bato ko at mag-measure ng shot put at discus para mapabilis yung training ko,” Ricaforte recalled with pride.
“Ever since bata pa ko, lagi kami nag-uusap ng papa ko. Sabi ko, ‘Pa, gusto ko rin manalo. Gusto ko mag-gold, gusto ko mag-break ng record.’ Pag sa bahay, lagi niya sinasabi sakin na magsikap ka lang, makakarating ka rin ng Manila, makakakuha ka ng scholarship sa malalaking school, mananalo ka, at magbe-break ka ng record.”
Before dominating the UAAP stage, Ricaforte first rose to prominence in the NCAA, where he shattered records in both the Juniors and Seniors divisions while representing the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
When the opportunity came to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles and pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration, he embraced the challenge of balancing academics and athletics.
“I didn’t find it hard to transition, ‘kase parang second home na ang Ateneo from Perpetual,’” Ricaforte shared. “But dito, we focus more sa training.
“I always say, ‘Pagod na nga sa school, pagod pa sa training,’ jokingly, just to ease the stress from handling both acads and training. But it all comes down to the mindset. If you think it’s a hard thing to do, then it’s going to be hard.”
Now a record-holder in two prestigious collegiate leagues, Ricaforte is not content to rest on his laurels.
His sights are set on the Philippine National Record of 52.10 meters, set by Fidel Repizo, and beyond that, the international stage at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
“That’s my main goal since I was a kid,” Ricaforte declared. “I’ve been dreaming of wearing the Philippine flag on my chest and representing our country.
“My plan is to break the Philippine Record first, so I need to put in more work. Job’s not done yet.”
