Ernie Gawilan makes history after bagging PH's first ever gold medal at the Asian Para Games
(CNN Philippines) — After years of fruitless hunts, the Philippines finally captures its first ever gold medal in the Asian Para Games.
Filipino swimmer Ernie Gawilan made history after clinching the gold in the men's 200m individual medley SM7 right on opening night of the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The 27-year-old clocked in 2:52.43 in the event besting Chinese Taipe's Chen Liang-da and India's Suyash Narayan who finished second and third respectively.
An hour later, Gawilan also followed it up with a silver in the men's 50m freestyle S7 clocking 31.93s behind Singapore's Wei Soong Toh who clocked 29.01s.
A para-athlete, Gawilan was born with no legs and an underdeveloped left limb in Paquibato, Davao.
Aside from Gawilan, fellow Filipino swimmer Gary Bejino also bagged a bronze in the men's 100M backstroke S6 after clocking in at 01:28.54.
Meanwhile, powerlifter Achelle Guion also bagged a silver in the women's -45kg event to put the Philippines at 5th place in the medal tally.
The Philippine delegation will be competing in a total of 10 out of 18 sports in the quadrennial showpiece that will run from October 6-13 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
