Gawilan bags fifth Asian Para Games gold as young swimmers boost PH medal haul

From seasoned veterans to rising talents, Filipino para swimmers are making waves at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Filipino para swimmers Ernie Gawilan, Ariel Alegarbes and Raemond Adefuin splashed a strong start for the Philippines after combining for two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze in the first two days of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Dawning the Philippine flag for 18 years, Gawilan defended his throne in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 category, clocking in 4:56.72 to pocket his fifth Asian Para Games gold medal, while also securing a slot for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

The 35-year-old veteran dedicated the triumph to his eight-month-old daughter, Eliana, who served as his motivation throughout the competition.

“Special ‘to kase idini-dedicate ko ito sa baby ko [Eliana] tapos noong ilang days pa lang, ini-imagine ko na yung medal lang ipapasuot ko sa anak ko pauwi,” Gawilan wholeheartedly said.

China’s Yilong Zhang took silver in 5:01.36, while Singapore’s Wei Soong Toh claimed bronze in 5:24.23.

Former Asian Youth Para Games champions shine on senior stage

2021 Asian Youth Para champion Alegarbes snatched the Philippines’ second gold medal on October 20, ruling the men’s 100m backstroke S14 in 1:01.56.

The 22-year-old from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, edged South Korean Kang Sungho’s 1:01.61—who settled for silver in a hairbreadth finish—while Thailand’s Natirat Meeprom snared bronze in 1:02.08.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old para swimmer Adefuin opened his senior debut with a bronze medal in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB6, ticking in 1:30.76 seconds.

After winning the youth match last year in Dubai,this achievement served as a building block for the 15-year-old’s transition to the senior division in his maiden campaign.

However, Hong Yang and Jincheng Guo of China locked in the top two spots with 1:20.23 and 1:24.92, respectively.