NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – Angel Otom powered the Philippines again on Day 3 of the 13th ASEAN Para Games after breaking the women’s 100-meter backstroke S4-S5 record at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center on Friday, January 23. The 22-year-old swimmer touched the wall in one minute and 43.87 seconds to secure her third gold medal of the meet.
Otom’s record-setting swim strengthened the Philippines’ push in the pool as the national delegation continued its medal hunt in Thailand. The campaign is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Paralympic Committee.
![Angel Otom clocks a record-setting 1:43.87 in the women’s 100m backstroke S4-S5 on Day 3 of the ASEAN Para Games. [PSC photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/8c984316-27c7-4ed2-84ce-7fcd1137b9fa.jpg)
Record-breaking swim keeps Otom rolling
The new time established Otom as one of the Philippines’ biggest medal producers early in the competition, with her momentum carrying over into another dominant showing. Her performance also reinforced her status as a key anchor for the Filipino para swimming team in Nakhon Ratchasima.
With three gold medals already in her collection, Otom remains central to the country’s hopes of adding more wins as the meet progresses. The Philippines is counting on its swimmers to keep delivering strong results in the remaining days of competition.
PSC, PPC support PH delegation
The Philippine squad is competing in the 13th edition of the ASEAN Para Games with support from the PSC and the PPC as it targets a strong overall finish. Officials have stressed the importance of backing para athletes through consistent programs and exposure in major competitions.
The games feature the region’s top para athletes across multiple sports, with the swimming program among the key medal-rich events. The Philippines continues to build its tally as it looks to sustain momentum throughout the week in Thailand.