In an age where many kids are glued to their tablets and phones, two eight-year-olds in Dubai are making waves for all the right reasons. Their names are Rich Gabriel Guillermo and Janssen Jacegrey Oliveros, best friends whose friendship and shared passion for swimming have turned into an inspiring story of discipline, teamwork, and purpose.
A friendship born by chance, strengthened by passion
Gabriel and Jacegrey’s story began when their fathers, who worked in the same company, introduced them. “Our friendship started by accident,” the boys shared with TGFM. “It was something special because we were the same age and liked many of the same things.” That spark quickly grew into a strong bond as they discovered their mutual love for sports and adventure.
Now both in Year 3 and living in Dubai since birth, the two have been inseparable since they were four years old. Their friendship goes beyond playtime—it’s a shared journey of learning and growing together. They spend their free hours drawing, riding scooters, building Lego creations, and playing games like 5–10–123. Most of all, they love talking about school and life, constantly pushing each other to do better.
Learning discipline through studies and sports
Despite their young age, the boys already understand the value of balance and commitment. “On weekdays, we focus on our studies, which are very important to us,” they said. “Whenever we have assignments, we make sure to finish them before playing.” Weekends, however, are all about swimming—a sport that has not only taught them resilience but also given them opportunities to compete and win.
They’ve joined various competitions across the UAE, recently bagging gold medals that brought pride not just to their families but to their growing circle of young followers. Their dedication reflects maturity well beyond their years—proof that passion, when guided by discipline, can lead to meaningful achievements.
Inspiring kids to explore life beyond screens
For Gabriel and Jacegrey, success isn’t just about medals; it’s about inspiring other children to live fuller lives. Through their Facebook page, Gab Grey Bro (Dxb Diaries), they share snippets of their sports journey and send motivational messages to kids around the world. “In today’s world, gadgets like tablets, phones, and computers are everywhere,” they explained. “While these devices can be fun, spending too much time on them takes away opportunities to explore the real world, learn new skills, and enjoy meaningful activities.”
They credit their parents for guiding them toward balance and creativity. “Parents are the ones who encourage kids to spend time on more meaningful activities,” they said. “Just like our parents, they can show that there are more exciting things to do beyond screens.”
Looking ahead, the duo already has big dreams. “Our dream is to have our own swimming academy, which we would like to call Dragon Swimming Academy,” they shared. “At the same time, we want to become engineers someday.” With that ambition and their belief that “learning and exploring new things make minds wider and stronger,” Gabriel and Jacegrey are proving that even at eight years old, friendship and purpose can spark something extraordinary.
