By Adrian Stewart Co

Swimmer Ernie Gawilan recently qualified for the 2020 Paralympic Games, which are set to take place from August 25 to September 6 in Tokyo, Japan. He is the first Filipino athlete to earn a spot in the international competition.
The swimmer previously competed at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, 2018 Asian Para Games, and 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.
Swimming coach Tony Ong said the International Paralympic Committee added the qualification slot following the cancellation of some qualifying tournaments due to the ongoing threat from the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19. However, Gawilan still needs to compete in one more qualifier in order to reclassify his disability before formalizing his entry to the Tokyo Games./ASC, WDJ