Ernie Gawilan adds silver to Asian Para Games haul, hopes to inspire others
Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan receives his gold medal after winning the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 podium in the 5th Asian Para Games, October 19, 2026 at the Rainbow Pool of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium. POC MediaMANILA — Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan hopes his success at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will inspire persons with disabilities who have lost hope.
The veteran, who attributes his underdeveloped lower extremities to a failed abortion attempt, said he has found purpose in sports and the opportunity to represent the Philippines.
“‘Yung kapansanan ko, nakuha ko po ito sa abortion. Hindi po siya naging negative sa akin. Nagamit ko po siya sa sports,” Gawilan said.
“Sana makapag-inspire din po ako sa mga may kapansanan na nawalan ng pag-asa sa buhay.”
Gawilan delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal of the Games in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 on Monday before adding silver in the men’s 200-meter individual medley SM7 on Tuesday.
He clocked two minutes and 52.72 seconds in the medley for his second podium finish in as many days.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Gawilan said he believes his life carries a purpose.
“‘Yun po ‘yung ginawa sa akin, pero sa awa ng Diyos, hindi natuloy. Siguro may plano po para sa akin na magrepresenta sa bansa natin,” he said.
He credited his late grandparents, who raised him, for giving him the chance to pursue that journey.
“Kahit hindi na nila naabutan ‘yung tagumpay ko, maraming salamat. Dahil sa inyo, nadugtungan ‘yung buhay ko at nakapag-representa ako ngayon sa bansa. Dahil sa inyo ‘yon,” he said.
Gawilan expressed satisfaction with his performance, improving on his gold-and-bronze haul at the previous Asian Para Games.
“Sobrang happy ako sa performance ko. Noong last Asian Para Games, gold at bronze. Ngayon, umangat ng isa—gold at silver,” he said.
His improved times have encouraged him to train harder as he prepares for his remaining event, the 100-meter backstroke.
Away from competition, Gawilan said he wants his wife and child to enjoy the good life he has: “Ilalaan ko ito sa mag-ina ko talaga. Kasi sa akin, okay na ako. Makita ko lang silang masaya sa achievement ko, okay na ako doon.”