Sports

Paris 2024: Paralympians Para Sa Pinas

By Julianna Mondelo | September 4, 2024

SIX Filipino para-athletes fearlessly compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. With little to no assistance in archery, athletics, swimming, and taekwondo, their journey goes beyond winning medals, as they inspire people with disabilities. 

A Worldwide Phenomenon

     Originally known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, the Paralympics took place in 1948 in a small town in England. They fully kicked off during the 1960s in Rome, where 400 athletes from 23 countries were wheelchair users. The games aimed to revolutionize perceptions toward disabilities, not just through sports but also through an ableist society.

     It was not until 1988 that the Philippines began participating in the Summer Paralympics in Seoul. The country has won two bronze medals, one by powerlifter Adeline Dumapong and the other by table tennis player Josephine Medina. Thus, Team Philippines strives to achieve even greater success this year.

Beacons of New Hope

     Richard Bachmann, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, said, “This is going to be the biggest squad we can send in the Paralympic Games after 12 years.” Agustina Bantiloc and Ernie Gawilan, a para archer and a para swimmer, proudly carried the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées last Aug. 28. 

     Gawilan, the first-ever Filipino gold medalist in the Asian Para Games and a recipient of numerous accolades, is a celebrated figure in the Paralympic world. Meanwhile, Bantiloc is the first para-archer to qualify and represent the Philippines. They paraded alongside Cendy Asusano, Allain Ganapin, Angel Otom, and Jerrold Mangliwan, symbolizing resilience and strength despite the odds. 

Game Results

     Last Aug. 30 (PH Time), Agustina Bantiloc fell short to Brazil's Jane Karla Gogel with a score of 127-143 in the 1/16 elimination round of the Women's Individual Compound Open event. Meanwhile, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan finished eighth in the Paralympics Men's 400m - T52 finals. His next competition will be on Sept. 6.

     Para taekwondo athlete Allain Ganapin aimed to make a comeback after being hindered by a COVID-19 infection during his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2020. However, last Aug. 31 (PH Time), he fell short to Abulfaz Abuzarli of Azerbaijan, 9-12, in the Men's K44 -80kg Round of 16. On the same day, Gawilan finished 11th in Men’s 200m Individual Medley - SM7. 

     Last Sept. 2, Gawilan placed third overall in the Men’s 400m Freestyle – S7 Heats and successfully ended his campaign in the Paralympics after placing sixth in the finals.

Ability Over Inability 

     Despite financial constraints, our para-athletes have come through. They deserve the same recognition and support as our Olympic athletes, as they require twice the determination and commitment and face twice the hardships. They did not overcome their disabilities to achieve success but rather embraced them as a part of who they were. 

     The Paralympics are more than a source of entertainment; they are also a platform to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and equality in an ever-changing world. As our athletes cross the threshold, they challenge harsh stereotypes and prove that physical limitations are not barriers to broader opportunities. 

     Laban, Team Philippines!