Ernie Gawilan Clinches Second Gold Medal with Record-Breaking Swim in Bangkok
Davao City's Paralympian Ernie Gawilan has delivered another stellar performance for the Philippines, securing his second gold medal at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Bangkok, Thailand. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Gawilan triumphed in the men's 200-meter freestyle S7 event, not only winning the race but also setting a new record in the process.
A Remarkable Victory and Record-Shattering Performance
Gawilan finished the race with an impressive time of two minutes and 26.08 seconds, decisively outpacing his competitors. Thailand's Sittichaiphonniti Kaweewat took second place with a time of 2:45.35. Both swimmers managed to erase the previous record of 2:52, showcasing the high level of competition at the event.
In a Messenger interview with SunStar Davao, the 34-year-old athlete expressed his elation. "Happy kaayo ko, Ma'am (I'm very happy)," Gawilan said, his voice brimming with joy. "Naambagan ko'g bwenas! Nakaduha nako ka gold after two days diri (I got lucky! I won two golds after just two days here)."
Building on Previous Success and Eyeing Future Golds
This victory follows his first gold medal win in the 400m freestyle S7 on Wednesday, January 21, where he posted a time of 5:02.39. In that race, he outperformed Singapore's Toh Wei Soong (5:22.87) and Thailand's Kaweewat (6:07.92), solidifying his dominance in the pool.
Gawilan described his 200m freestyle win as surreal, noting that it was his first time competing in this specific event. "First time ra nako ni gidula ang 200m freestyle. Depende man gud sa host unsa'y apilon nga events. Wala gyud damha nga makuha nako ang gold ug ma break nako ang record nga karon ra ko midula gyud ani (This was my first time competing in the 200m freestyle. It really depends on the host which events are included. I never expected to win the gold or break the record, especially since this was the first time I actually competed in it)," he shared.
He attributes his success to a year of rigorous training and maintaining excellent physical condition. With his morale at an all-time high, Gawilan is now setting his sights on winning his third consecutive gold medal in the 100m freestyle finals scheduled for Friday, January 23.
Looking Ahead to More Events and Personal Dedications
"Nadula na nako ning 100m freestyle sa una, nagunita ko pa ni pero last time nakuha sa Singaporean ang gold, nag second ra ko. Dili lang ko magsulti pero paningkamutan nako ugma (I’ve competed in the 100m freestyle before, and I still remember it, but last time the gold went to a Singaporean and I came in second. I won’t say much, but I’ll give it my all tomorrow)," he added, demonstrating his determination and focus.
Gawilan's confidence is soaring after his two gold medals. "Taas run ang akong morale kay nakaduha nako'g gold. Paningkamutan nako makuha ang lima ka gold sa five events nako (My morale is high now because I’ve already won two golds. I’ll do my best to win all five golds in my five events)," he stated ambitiously.
In addition to the 100m freestyle, he is also set to compete in the 200m individual medley (IM) and the 50m butterfly events. Earlier, Gawilan dedicated his first gold medal to the Philippines and to his soon-to-be-born daughter, Francheska Eliana, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to his athletic achievements.
