By el Amigo
Ernie Gawilan secured his place in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics after capturing the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The 35-year-old Filipino para swimmer clocked 4:56.72 on Monday, October 19, meeting the minimum qualifying standard for the Paralympics and earning a berth in next year’s world championships, according to national para swimming coach Tony Ong.
The Los Angeles Games will be Gawilan’s fourth consecutive Paralympic appearance, following Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Tokyo in 2021 and Paris in 2024.
His Asian Para Games victory also entitles him to a ₱1-million cash incentive under Republic Act No. 10699, which provides incentives to Filipino athletes who win medals in international competitions.
Gawilan defeated China’s Zhang Yilong, who settled for silver in 5:01.36, while Singapore’s Toh Wei Soong took bronze in 5:24.23.
The victory delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal in the continental competition and extended Gawilan’s reign to three consecutive Asian Para Games titles in the event.
Beyond the sporting milestone, Gawilan said he plans to place his gold medal around the neck of his eight-month-old daughter when he returns home.
“Pag-uwi ko, isasabit ko talaga sa kanya ito,” he said.
The triumph also comes ahead of his first wedding anniversary with wife Ilonah Jane on October 28.
