Davao City Para Swimmer Ernie Gawilan Triumphs with Gold Medal at 13th ASEAN Para Games in Bangkok
In a display of Filipino pride and athletic excellence, Ernie Gawilan, a 34-year-old para swimmer from Davao City, captured the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle S7 event on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the 13th ASEAN Para Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. This victory marks the second swimming gold for the Philippine contingent at the biennial meet, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in para sports.
Strategic Race Execution Leads to Victory
Gawilan touched the wall with a winning time of 5:02.39, decisively outpacing his competitors. Singapore's Toh Wei Soong secured the silver medal with a time of 5:22.87, while Thailand's Sittichaiphonniti Kaweewat took bronze, clocking in at 6:07.92. In an exclusive Messenger interview with SunStar Davao, Gawilan revealed that his triumph was the result of careful strategy and endurance.
"He went all out from the start, but I focused on pacing to endure. I made my move in the last 250 meters," Gawilan explained, highlighting how he avoided burning out early in the race. He added, "It's 400 meters, so I could have run out of energy. But God gave me strength today." This thoughtful approach allowed him to conserve energy and surge ahead when it mattered most.
Rigorous Training and Coach's Guidance Pay Off
The legless champion attributed his success to a year of intense and dedicated training under the expert guidance of his coach. "The training was intense for a whole year… my coach really knows how to push me. I still have more to give," Gawilan stated, expressing confidence in his ongoing performance. At 34 years old and turning 35 this year, he is entered in five events at the Games, including:
- 200m individual medley (IM)
- 200m freestyle
- 100m freestyle
- 50m butterfly
Gawilan aims to build on the momentum from his gold medal win, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to excellence in multiple disciplines.
Personal and National Dedication
In a heartfelt moment, Gawilan dedicated his gold medal to both the Philippines and his soon-to-be-born daughter, Francheska Eliana, who is expected next month. "This is truly for my country and for my baby," he said, blending personal joy with national pride. He also extended his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for its unwavering support and expressed hope that his fellow athletes would secure more medals for the country.
Philippine Team Achievements and Challenges
Gawilan's victory came just hours after Paralympian Gary Bejino, 35, set a new record in the 400m freestyle S6, winning the Philippines' first gold of the Games with a time of 5:32.08. Bejino, who celebrated his young son's birthday alongside his win, shared, "I'm so happy to win gold, and I also managed to improve my time a little," underscoring the personal significance of his achievement.
The Philippine contingent added to its medal tally in other disciplines:
- Marydol Pamati-an earned a silver medal in the women's 41kg powerlifting category with a total lift of 77kg.
- Denesia Esnara captured bronze in the 55kg powerlifting category, lifting 73kg.
- Para-cyclist Michael Bayani and tenpin bowler Francisco Ednaco also brought home bronze medals in their respective events.
However, the Philippine teams faced challenges in 3x3 wheelchair basketball. The Lady Warriors fell 5-12, and the PHI Warriors lost 13-20 to defending champion Thailand. Despite these setbacks, the silver finish for the Lady Warriors marked their first medal in eight years, highlighting resilience and progress in the sport.
Overall, Ernie Gawilan's gold medal win not only celebrates individual achievement but also inspires the nation, reinforcing the spirit of determination and unity in Philippine para sports.
