Davaoeno swimmer ends ASEAN Para Games 2022 stint with 4 medals

DAVAO CITY---After a disappointing medalless stint in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Davaoeno paralympic swimming star Ernie Gawilan bounced back big time in the swimming competition of the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Semarang, Indonesia.

Gawilan won two golds, one silver, and one bronze in the biggest sporting event for people with disabilities in Southeast Asia.

Gawilan, born with no legs and an incomplete arm due to an attempted abortion and poor prenatal healthcare, is happy and proud of his medal performance in the tournament.

"Maraming salamat po sa Inyong lahat. I love you all," Gawilan said in a Facebook post.

The medal performance is a huge morale boost for Gawilan, who failed to win a medal in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games last year in Tokyo, Japan.

Gawilan is considered the biggest star of the Philippine team in swimming. (Romeo Braceros, Jr.)