Filipino Paralympians Compete in Paris 2024
J.K. Rowling once said, “Disability is a term for impairments, but it should never limit potential or self-worth.” This quote of resilience and the ability to overcome life’s challenges despite handicaps has never been more evident than in this year’s Paris Paralympics 2024.
The event kicked off on August 28, 2024, with vibrant performances highlighting themes of unity. This is the first time France has hosted the Paralympic Summer Games and the first time a Paralympics opening ceremony has taken place outside a stadium, in the heart of the host city.
Athletes paraded from the bottom of the Champs-Elysees and made their way around the stage area, greeted by the Phryges, the Games' mascots. The opening ceremony, themed "Paradox," told the story of two groups moving from discord to concord.
Para archer Agustina Bantiloc and para swimmer Ernie Gawilan carried the Philippine flag alongside fellow Filipino athletes Allain Ganapin, Angel Otom, Cendy Asusano, and Jerrold Mangliwan.
Let’s learn more about our six-athlete delegation.
Ernie Gawilan (Para Swimming)
Gawilan once again led the country's delegation to the Paralympics. Born without legs and with an underdeveloped left arm due to a congenital condition, this incredible swimmer has become one of the Philippines' most decorated Paralympians. In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Gawilan made history as the first Filipino swimmer to qualify for the finals, finishing sixth in the men's S7 400m freestyle.
Before the opening ceremony, Gawilan shared: “Every time I compete, I carry with me the hopes of my fellow Filipinos. It's an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously, I want to inspire others to believe that no matter the challenges, we can achieve our dreams.”
Jerrold Mangliwan (Para Athletics)
Born with polio, Mangliwan has competed in both the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, representing the Philippines in wheelchair racing. He won gold in Asean Para Games in Cambodia in 2023 for 200 meter T52 and silver in Asian Para Games in 2022 at Hangzhou for 100 meter T52.
His hard work and dedication to the sport are evident through his demanding workout schedule and relentless drive to improve at every meet. "I've had many struggles, but I never let them define who I am," Mangliwan said.
Angel Mae Otom (Para Swimming)
This athlete, born with a congenital limb deficiency, has beaten the odds to become one of the Philippines’ most promising para-athletes. She has already earned multiple medals in regional competitions, showcasing her talent in the backstroke and freestyle events. Otom’s dedication and resilience have been an inspiration to many, embodying the true spirit of a Philippine Paralympian.
Cendy Asusano (Para Athletics)
Despite being born with a disability, she has proven her strength and skill in international sports competitions. Asusano placed fourth in the women's javelin throw F54 event of the World Para Athletics Championship in Japan last May and also bagged gold medals in the women's shot put and javelin throw F54 events of the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia last year. Beyond her athletic prowess, she embodies the spirit of resilience and serves as a motivational figure for aspiring para-athletes.
Agustina Bantiloc (Para Archery)
She is the first Filipino para-archer to participate in the global showdown for differently-abled athletes. She was part of the duo that claimed the bronze medal in the Compound Open Mixed Category of the Para Archer Olympic Qualifers in Thailand last year. The 56-year-old Bantiloc, currently ranked No. 24 in the world in her sport, has previously competed in powerlifting and athletics, making this her third sporting discipline.
Bantiloc was the first to compete from the Philippine six-athlete delegation in the Para Archery women's individual compound open event, last Thursday. She hopes to advance to the medal round on September 1.
Allain Keanu Ganapin (Para Taekwondo)
Ganapin, whose right arm got amputated up to his elbow due to a congenital disorder, has overcome numerous challenges to represent the country on the international stage. Making his Olympic return on August 31 at the Grand Palais, the 26-year-old para taekwondo jin will be the second competitor for the Philippine team. He will face Hadi Hassanzada of the Refugee Paralympic Team in the men's K44 -80 kilogram round of 32 match at 4 p.m.
The Philippines aims to secure its first Paralympics gold medal and build on its previous successes, which include two bronze medals won by Adeline Dumapong in powerlifting at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics and the late Josephine Medina in table tennis at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
