![Ernie Gawilan at the 2024 Paris Paralympics [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000026726-400x200.jpg)
Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan has qualified for the final of the men’s 400m freestyle S7 at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Gawilan, who finished first in his heat with a time of 5:00.13, aims to improve upon his previous Paralympic performance and compete for a medal in the final.
![Ernie Gawilan of the Philippines [PSC Media pool photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/395684889_1467268297449063_6277101446307615617_n-400x200.jpg)
Veteran Filipino para swimmer Ernie Gawilan achieved the coveted golden breakthrough for Team Philippines on Tuesday night, October 24, to retain the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 crown in runaway fashion at the Asian Para Games 2023 swimming championships.
![Ernie Gawilan splashes his way to a bronze medal in the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games swimming meet Monday night at the HOC Aquatic Arena. [PSC Media pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/395121137_1611718559774553_5372119675798184122_n-400x200.png)
Philippine national para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino produced a pair of third-place finishes on Monday, October 23, to hand the country its first medals at the start of the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games swimming championships at the Hangzhou Olympic Center Aquatic Arena.
All of us need to force a smile and try to make sense of what’s happening. The Philippine Paralympic team came out without single medal from Tokyo but Ernie Gawilan and company deserve our utmost respect for carrying the flag proudly in the face of superior opposition.