NAGOYA — Ernie Gawilan promised his baby girl a golden gift, and he delivered it in the pool. The Filipino swimmer gave his country its first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on Monday, October 19.

Gawilan, 35, won the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium for his third consecutive title in the event. He said he plans to hang the medal around his daughter’s neck once he gets home.

Gawilan Holds Off China’s Zhang Yilong for 400m Freestyle S7 Gold

Gawilan clocked 4:56.72, finishing 4.64 seconds ahead of China’s Zhang Yilong, who took silver in 5:01.36. Singapore’s Toh Wei Soong won bronze in 5:24.23.

Zhang led through the opening 200 meters before Gawilan took control. The Davao City native said he closed his eyes over the final 10 meters once he saw his rival behind him, pushing through an exhausting finish.

The win extends his reign in the event after titles in Jakarta in 2018 and Hangzhou in 2023. It is his fifth Asian Para Games gold overall, adding to three from Jakarta and one from Hangzhou.

National para swimming coach Tony Ong said the winning time also secured Gawilan’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. The medal is special for his wife, Ilonah Jane, as the couple will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Oct. 28.

Philippine Sports Officials Hope Gawilan’s Gold Inspires More Para-Athletes

Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo said Gawilan showed what a “Filipino fighting heart” is all about. He hoped the first gold of the Games would inspire more athletes to excel and go for medals.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio congratulated the swimmer, calling it “the heart of a champion.” He also thanked Gawilan for what he called a gift to the country.

Watching from the stands, Philippine delegation chef de mission Francis Diaz said he was especially happy for Gawilan, who gave everything in his swim. Diaz hoped the win would inspire the other para-athletes in Nagoya.

PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston called the performance “amazing” and noted it was Gawilan’s third Asian Games gold. He praised the swimmer’s determination and skills as an inspiration to fellow Filipino para-athletes.

For Gawilan, the celebration will be complete once he returns home. Only then will he have kept the promise he made before entering the pool: a golden gift for his baby girl.