Ernie Gawilan snagged the first gold medal of the Philippines in the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
Gawilan clocked in four minutes and 58.29 seconds to defend his crown in the men's 400 meter freestyle S7 event on Tuesday, October 24.
Soong Toh Wei of Singapore placed second with a time of five minutes and 12.16 seconds while Huang Xiangquan of China finished with a time of five minutes and 16.33 to earn the last podium spot.
As of Tuesday, the Philippines has hauled a gold medal, a silver medal, and two bronze medals.
Jerrold Mangliwan won the first silver medal of the country in the 2023 Asian Para Games.
The Filipino wheel-chair racer registered a time of 18.65 seconds to beat Jeong Jondae of South Korea, who settled for a third placed finish after clocking in 18.67 seconds.
Mangliwan finished behind Ito Tatsuya of Japan who clocked in 17.41 seconds.
Gawilan, who won a bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter individual medley race, has a chance to win another medal in the men’s 100-meter backstroke on Thursday, October 26.G
Filipino para-swimmer Gary Bejino also won a bronze medal in the men's 100 meters freestyle S6 event.
