Veteran Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 5th Asian Para Games after topping the men’s 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4 minutes and 56.72 seconds.
Gawilan said he was surprised to finish the race in under five minutes, dedicating his victory to his eight-month-old baby.
“I’m happy. I didn’t expect to finish the 400m in under five minutes,” Gawilan said.
He shared that he had been imagining placing a medal around his child’s neck just days before the competition—a dream that has now become a reality.
“I’m doing this for my baby,” he added.
The veteran para-athlete also urged his fellow Filipino competitors to stay focused, emphasizing that the country’s first gold medal is a victory for the entire delegation.
The latest triumph adds to Gawilan’s impressive Asian Para Games record, bringing his gold medal tally to five after winning three golds in Jakarta in 2018 and another in Hangzhou in 2022.
According to national para swimming coach Tony Ong, Gawilan also secured qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles based on his performance in the competition.
(Photo Courtesy: Philippine Paralympic Committee)
