Oh, you thought it was over? It’s time to give the same energy to our athletes representing the PH at the 2024 Paralympics.
Related: #Paris2024 Recap: This Is How Our Pinoy Athletes Fared At The Olympics
Paris 2024 was a real hype fest tbh. It was over two weeks of excitement and energy as Filipino athletes brought pride to the country with the Philippines’ best performance at the Olympics yet. And with the hero’s welcome they recently received, it was a nice way to cap their journey of hard work and determination. But the Olympic fever isn’t over yet though as we still have the Paris Paralympics.
Running from August 28 to September 9, the Paralympics will see some of the world’s best athletes with physical challenges or impairments compete for an Olympic medal. Not only does this make sports more inclusive, but it also shows that differently-abled individuals can still compete with the best of them. This edition, six Filipino Paralympians will be representing the Philippines in Paris, an increase of two from Tokyo, as they hope to add to the country’s Paralympics medal count of two bronze medals. Get to know the athletes below.
ERNIE GAWILAN – SWIMMING
If you could use one word to describe Ernie Gawilan, it would be legend. His storied career includes being the first Filipino to win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games and having multiple gold medals from the ASEAN Para Games. Now back for his third Paralympics (he competed in 2016 and 2020), the 33-year-old swimmer is hoping to make history in Paris.
ANGEL OTOM – SWIMMING
At just 20 years old, Angel Otom is coming into her first-ever Paralympics with the wind behind her after she bagged an impressive four gold medals at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games. After qualifying through the Minimum Qualifying Standard, this Gen Z athlete will be swimming for the gold.
JERROLD MANGLIWAN – WHEELCHAIR RACING
Gold for Philippine Para Athletics Team captain Jerrold Mangliwan in the 400m T52 at the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia! 🇵🇭🥇
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 7, 2023
📷 Pilipinas Para Athletics pic.twitter.com/vCOdY9tlqv
Back for his third Paralympics, Jerrold Mangliwan is looking to build on his successes in the past few years. In Tokyo, he set a personal best record in wheelchair racing despite not making it to the podium. In the 2022 Asian Para Games, he earned his first gold medal at the continental level. Now, the 44-year-old para-athlete is seen as a strong bet for a medal finish in Paris.
CENDY ASUSANO – JAVELIN THROW
While she may be making her Paralympic Games debut this year, Cendy Asusano is no newbie. The 34-year-old can claim multiple gold medals from the ASEAN Para Games to her name, and she may score another one in Paris as she competes in javelin throw.
AGUSTINA BANTILOC – ARCHERY
Some people might think that athletes are at their prime in their teens and twenties, but Agustina Bantiloc begs to differ. The 55-year-old para-archer is making her Paralympics debut in Paris, where she so happens to be the oldest member of the Philippine delegation. Bantiloc’s presence at the Games is already historic enough with the fact that this is the first time a Filipino will be competing in the para-archery category in the Paralympics. But the athlete, who is currently ranked No. 25 para-archer in the world in the Compound Women Open category, will be aiming for that podium finish.
ALLAIN GANAPIN – TAEKWONDO
Allain Ganapin was set to represent the Philippines in taekwondo at the Tokyo Paralympics but sadly couldn’t make it after he tested positive for COVID-19. Three years later, the 25-year-old athlete is back for his second career Paralympic Games and on that redemption arc in Paris.
Continue Reading: POLL: Which Filipino Athlete Won You Over at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
