Two-time Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan will go the extra mile once the 13th ASEAN Para Games starts on 20 January in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Gawilan, a nine-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist, said he will be dedicating his run to his first-born child.

The 34-year-old tanker won two golds, one silver, and one bronze medal in the previous edition of the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023.

This year, he plans to come up with an even better showing.

“I’m very inspired because I’m about to have a baby. That’s a huge motivation for me,” Gawilan said.

“It inspires me to continue competing because I now have a child to take care of and provide for.”

“I’ll be swimming in the 400-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, 100-meter freestyle, and 50-meter butterfly.”

Gawilan, Angel Otom and Gary Bejino will be the anchors of the para swimming team as they look to improve from their 10-9-7 medal tally from 2023.