By Brian Yalung
Filipino Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan is confident of his chances when he and other delegates see action in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics scheduled for Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
This will be Gawilan’s second-straight Paralympics. He saw action in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 30-year-old native of Davao City booked his slot after seeing action in the World Para Swimming World Series in Berlin, Germany in June. He is expected to participate in the 200-meter individual medley, 100-meter backstroke and 400-meter freestyle events.
In an exclusive interview, Gawilan says he is ready for the games despite the difficulties he endured in training caused by the pandemic.
“Ready naman tayo kahit medyo nahirapan tayo sa training noong mga nakaraang taon dahil sa umiiral na pandemya sa bansa at buong mundo,” Gawilan said.
Despite the problems brought in by the pandemic, Gawilan stressed that he continued to train and was able to adjust. He credits his coaches for assisting them, especially going to and from the hotel to the training venue.
“Tuloy-tuloy lang ang training natin. Medyo naka-adjust naman kami at salamat sa mga coach namin dahil hatid sundo kami from hotel to training venue,” he quipped.
Antonio Ong and Gerardo Rosario regularly coaches Gawilan while Bryan Micael Ong serves as his conditioning coach.
Coach Mark Jude Corpuz handles Gawilan’s training when he is in Davao.
Gawilan admits that he is a bit nervous considering he will be facing the best athletes from different countries once more in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. He adds that his target is to reach the final.
“Syempre kinakabahan ako dahil magkikitakita na naman kami nung mga malalakas na atleta sa ibang bansa. Halo-halo ang nararamdaman ko. Target ko na makapasok sa final,” Gawilan said.
As far as his chances, Gawilan is confident. He believes that he was trained properly by his coach. As far as hurdles, the only thing he sees is the pandemic which has severely affected all sports.
“Confident ako dahil may tiwala ako sa training na pinapagawa sa akin ng coach ko. Siguro ang hadlang lang ay itong pandemic dahil maraming napinsala nitong virus na to. Hindi lang sports kung hindi sa buhay at daily activity ng maraming tao,” he said.
In parting, Gawilan gave his message to the Filipino people and reminded everyone to be on alert and always keep their bodies healthy to keep them protected from the pandemic.
“Ingat po tayo lagi, maging alerto sa lahat ng pagkakataon at palakasin ang pangangatawan para kahit papaano may laban tayo sa COVID. Palaging makinig sa news para laging updated. Asahan niyo gagawin ko namin ang best naming sa laro,” Gawilan ended. -rir
