Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan secures Philippines' inaugural gold at 2026 Asian Para Games
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@killbaitphi.bsky.socialen.killbait.comFilipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan secures Philippines' inaugural gold at 2026 Asian Para GamesVeteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan has made history for the Philippines by winning the country's first gold medal at the 5th Asian Para Games held in Nagoya, Japan. The 35-year-old Davao City native, who has underdeveloped extremities, triumphed in the men's 400-meter freestyle S7 event with a time of 4:56.72, defeating China's Zhang Yilong (silver, 5:01.36) and Singapore's Toh Wei Soong (bronze, 5:24.23). This victory marks Gawilan's third consecutive gold in this event and fifth overall, following his three-gold performance at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta and his gold in Hangzhou, China, in 2023. His time also qualifies him for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, as confirmed by national para swimming coach Tony Ong. Other Filipino athletes faced challenges on the same day, with Edwin Villanueva finishing 10th in the men's 400-meter freestyle S8 (6:22.33), Muhaimin Ulag placing 12th in the men's 200-meter individual medley SM9 (3:04.30), and Patrick Lee and Arthus Bucay finishing 12th and 14th in track cycling's 1,000-meter time trial. In judo, Edmond Montecillo lost to Uzbekistan's Ibrokhimjon Akbarov in the men's J1 -70kg round of 16, leaving Al Jaed Pacheco as the last Filipino judoka standing. Table tennis players Lhey Manginsay, Billy Cartera, Johna Pena, and Noriko Batuhan also suffered defeats in their respective singles events. Gawilan's achievement is significant as it represents the Philippines' first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games, highlighting his continued dominance in para swimming and setting the stage for future Paralympic success.