Cover Ernie Gawilan at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (Photo: Buda Mendes / GettyImages)
Ernie Gawilan at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (Photo: Buda Mendes / GettyImages)
1 / 1
These Filipino athletes are also getting ready for the biggest event of their career—the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games
The 2024 Paris Olympics are coming later this month, and just as our national athletes are gearing up for the fight of their lives, our Para athletes are getting ready as well for their shot at stardom at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in August. So far, we have six athletes representing our nation on the global stage in archery, swimming, taekwondo, and athletics. From seasoned veterans to new up-and-comers, the Philippine team looks promising and hopes to add gold to our small collection of medals in the Paralympic Games.
More from Tatler: Here’s a recap of the Philippine team’s highlights at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Agustina Maximo Bantiloc (Archery)
Above Agustina Maximo Bantiloc (Photo: PDAO Baguio)
Agustina Maximo Bantiloc (Photo: PDAO Baguio)
1 / 1
Augustina Maximo Bantiloc is currently placing 32nd in the world ranking for archery in the Compound Women Open category—previously 21st in March 2024. The 55-year-old athlete has qualified for the 2024 Paris Paralympics after bagging a bronze medal at the Asian Continental Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Thailand last November and is looking to be a strong contender for the gold.
Ernie Gawilan (Swimming)
The first Filipino gold medallist in the Asian Para Games, Ernie Agat Gawilan, competed at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics and is decorated with multiple medals from the ASEAN Para Games.
He qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games through the Minimum Qualifying Standard and is set to make his third return to the games.
Angel Otom (Swimming)
Quadruple gold medalist at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, Angel Otom gets ready for her first appearance at the Paris Paralympics. Only 20 years old, she qualified through the Minimum Qualifying Standard and will be competing against veterans and fellow rising stars.
Also see: ‘It’s not all about the medals’: Olympian Margielyn Didal and her skateboarding journey
Allain Keanu Ganapin (Taekwondo)
After beating India’s Sandeep Singh Maan in the Asian Qualification Tournament in Tai’an, China, Allain Keanu Ganapin secured his spot in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Turning 26 now, he fought in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, reaching the 1/8th Final.
Jerrold Pete Mangliwan (Athletics, wheelchair racing)
Above Jerrold Pete Mangliwan at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (Photo: Lintao Zhang/GettyImages)
Jerrold Pete Mangliwan at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (Photo: Lintao Zhang/GettyImages)
1 / 1
A veteran of wheelchair racing, 44-year-old Jerrold Pete Mangliwan saw action in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. So far, he has won 6 gold medals, one silver at the ASEAN Para Games, and one gold and one silver medal at the Asian Para Games. The track star officially qualified for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games after winning gold in the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
Cendy Asusano (Athletics, Javelin Throw)
Above Cendy Asusano at the World Para Athletics Championships at Kobe, Japan (Photo: Paul Miller/GettyImages)
Cendy Asusano at the World Para Athletics Championships at Kobe, Japan (Photo: Paul Miller/GettyImages)
1 / 1
Coming from a 4th place finish in Women’s Javelin Throw F54 at the World Para Athletics Championships held in Kobe, Japan, Cendy Asusano represents the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. She previously won gold medals in the women’s shot put and javelin throw categories at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
NOW READ
Where to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics on Philippine TV?
5 greatest Formula One drivers of all time: Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and more
Meet the 18 Filipino athletes set to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
