At CIS, we are proud to have teachers who are not only experts in their fields but who live out the values they teach every day. One shining example is Liane, a former national swimmer from the Philippines and current masters swimmer, who continues to inspire students in physical education. We sat down with Liane to learn more about her journey to the world championships, and the lessons she brings to our community.

You've had some incredible moments in your swimming career. Which achievements stand out the most for you?

I’m proud to have represented the Philippines as a national swimmer for 7 years. It was an honour to swim for my country and win medals. But more than the medals, I value the life lessons I gained: discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.

A recent highlight would be securing 3rd place in my age group for the 50m backstroke at the World Aquatics Masters Championships 2023 in Kyushu, Japan. Racing internationally and finishing on the podium was an amazing experience. It was also nice getting to meet swimmers from all over the world.

How do you feel about competing at the upcoming World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore?

I’m so excited to be competing again on the world stage and continuing to pursue a sport I love. It’s a privilege to share this passion with a global community of athletes. Balancing training with a teaching schedule is definitely a challenge as I swim three times a week and train at the gym twice, but time management has become one of my key strengths. Planning my days and weeks in advance allows me to stay focused, adaptable, and committed to both my students and my training.

How did you first get into swimming?

I started swimming when I was 9 years old. Growing up, I learned from my parents how important sports were for the values it teaches. Swimming grew into a passion in my family, and after graduating from university, I went straight into coaching. It became my way of giving back to younger generations and sharing my love for the sport.

How does your background as a competitive swimmer shape your teaching approach?

My journey as a swimmer has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of a strong work ethic. These are all qualities that I bring into the classroom. From a young age, I learned to take responsibility and follow through with action. These experiences influence how I teach and mentor my students. I aim to model the mindset that with dedication, everyone has the potential to be part of something meaningful and impactful.

What message do you hope your participation sends to students?

I hope it shows them that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and that pursuing what makes you happy is always worth it. The path to any meaningful goal is rarely easy, but if you’re passionate and willing to put in the effort, anything is possible.

Thank you for sharing, Liane, and we wish you all the best for your upcoming World Aquatics Masters Championships 2025!