The Philippine Paralympic team is also looking to make history after the country's successful run in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Following Team Philippines' success in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the focus now shifts to the country’s top Paralympic athletes, who are also ready to make history in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which begins on August 28.
Since joining the Paralympics in 1988, the Philippines has won two bronze medals. But this year’s delegation is also eager to make history.
Ernie Gawilan (Swimming)
One of the Philippines' most accomplished Paralympic athletes, swimmer Ernie Gawilan, is gearing up for his third Paralympic appearance after securing his spot by meeting the Minimum Qualifying Standard.
The 33-year-old Gawilan, who made history as the first Filipino to win gold at the Asian Para Games in 2018, is also a multi-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist and is poised for what could be his strongest chance at earning a Paralympics medal this year.
Angel Otom (Swimming)
Swimmer Angel Otom is poised to build on her remarkable success from the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where she won four gold medals, as she prepares for her debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics at just 20 years old.
Similar to Gawilan, the young swimming talent qualified by meeting the Minimum Qualifying Standard and is now set to compete against seasoned veterans and fellow rising stars, marking the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career.
Jerrold Mangliwan (Athletics, Wheelchair racing)
Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan is poised to lead the Filipino delegation once again as a top medal contender in his third Paralympics appearance.
The accomplished 44-year-old is expected to leave it all on the track, as this could be his final Paralympic Games.
Mangliwan is riding the momentum of his success at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where he earned his first career gold at the continental level.
Cendy Asusano (Athletics, Javelin throw)
Making her Paralympics debut, Cendy Asusano will represent the Philippines as the country's top contender in the javelin throw at Paris 2024.
At 34 years old and in the prime of her career, Asusano is a multi-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist, bringing strong credentials to her first Paralympic competition.
Agustina Bantiloc (Archery)
Agustina Bantiloc is set to make her Paralympics debut at 55 years old, becoming the first Filipino Paralympic archer in history to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
Bantiloc, who is ranked 30th in the world, is ready to prove that it’s never too late to chase your dreams at the highest level.
Allain Ganapin (Taekwondo)
At just 25 years old, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin is returning for his second Paralympics appearance after qualifying on March 20.
This trip to Paris is a chance for redemption for Ganapin after not competing in Tokyo 2020 due to a positive COVID-19 test.