NAGOYA, Japan—Ariel Joseph “Arjay” Alegarbes promised his coach and family he would win Asian Para Games gold, and he delivered by 0.05 seconds. The 22-year-old edged South Korea’s Sungho Kang for the Philippines’ second gold.

Alegarbes touched the wall in 1:01.56 in the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14 on Tuesday night at the Rainbow Pool of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium. Kang took silver in 1:01.61, and Thailand’s Natirat Meeprom claimed bronze in 1:02.08.

How Arjay Alegarbes Found His Place in Para Swimming

Alegarbes, from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and asthma. He tried athletics, boccia and long jump before settling on swimming at age 12.

“I tried athletics, bocce, and long jump. But I chose swimming because I’m small and I have asthma,” he said. A decade after taking up the sport, he is an Asian Para Games champion in his debut at the event.

Alegarbes Eyes More Medals and a Paralympics Berth

The victory fulfilled a promise, Alegarbes said. “A few years ago, I promised my coach and my entire family that I would win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games, especially for my country. I did this for them and for all the people here.”

He trained for months at the University of Life (ULTRA) in Pasig with his coaches. “Honestly, over the last few months, I’ve been training very hard,” he said.

He entered the final with the second-fastest time from the morning heats, then beat a field that included top qualifier Meeprom. His win followed Ernie Gawilan’s gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 on Monday.

Alegarbes dedicated the victory to his country, team, coaches and fellow Filipinos, and especially to his cousin, Manang Lenlen. “My cousin passed away this year, and we were very close,” he said.

The 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley remain on his schedule. Beyond Nagoya, Alegarbes has a bigger target: “I want to go to the Paralympics with my coaches and my team.”