Gawilan’s gift: Para swimmer’s greatest victory lies outside the pool
DESPITE his physical limitations, Ernie Gawilan will never get tired of representing the country in major international tournaments.
Photographs by Joey Sanchez Mendoza for daily tribune
Ernie Gawilan has spent years proving that limitations do not have to define a person.
At 35, the veteran Filipino para swimmer continues to challenge himself in the pool, adding another gold medal to his collection in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event of the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya last week.
Gawilan clocked four minutes and 56.72 seconds to claim the title, then added a silver medal in the men’s 200-meter individual medley SM7 in 2:52.72.
But beyond the medals and times posted against his name, Gawilan has another reason to keep swimming.
It is waiting for him at home.
ERNIE Gawilan draws inspiration from his family in winning a gold medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event of the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya last week.
“When I get home, I’m definitely going to hang this on her,” Gawilan said, referring to his daughter and his plans to share his latest achievement with his family.
The medal also carries special significance for his wife, Ilonah Jane, as the couple is set to celebrate its first wedding anniversary on 28 October. His latest triumph serves as an early anniversary gift earned through hours of training and a demanding competition schedule.
For Gawilan, the achievement is more than another addition to his collection. It is something he can bring home to the people who have become his greatest source of motivation.
“I dedicate this, first and foremost, to my wife and child. As for me, I’m already content,” Gawilan said.
“Just seeing them happy with my achievement is enough for me.”
Sink or swim
Gawilan’s life has been a story of perseverance long before he began winning medals for the Philippines.
The Davao City native was born with physical deformities after surviving an attempted abortion and receiving inadequate prenatal care.
His childhood was also marked by tragedy. His father left the family, while his mother later died of cholera, leaving him to grow up under the care of his grandparents.
Despite his difficult beginnings, Gawilan said he holds no ill will toward his parents and remains grateful for the chance to live his life and represent the country.
“That is what was done to me, but by the grace of God, it didn’t push through. Perhaps there is a plan for me to represent our country,” Gawilan said. “Even though they didn’t live to see my success, thank you so much. Because of you, my life was extended, and now I am able to represent the country. This is all thanks to you.”
His life took a turn when the late businessman Vicente Ferrazzini encountered him in a sitio in Buda, Marilog District, and persuaded his grandfather to bring him to a training center for persons with disabilities in Davao City.
In 2000, Gawilan was brought to Samal Island to work as a housekeeper at a training center established by nuns. There, he discovered swimming and found a place where he felt normal.
Swimming coach Mark Jude Corpuz later discovered his potential, paving the way for Gawilan to compete in the 2008 Philippine Olympic Festival in Cagayan de Oro City and begin his journey as a competitive swimmer.
Success beyond the pool
Gawilan now has five Asian Para Games gold medals, including his latest triumph in Nagoya. He has also collected nine gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games and represented the Philippines at the Paralympics since the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.
He expressed satisfaction with his performance in Japan, improving on the gold and bronze medals he won at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
“I am extremely happy with my performance. In the last Asian Para Games, I won a gold and a bronze. This time, I’ve moved up a step — a gold and a silver,” Gawilan said.
Away from the pool, Gawilan has also found happiness in his personal life, marrying Ilonah Jane last year.
His two medals in Nagoya also assure him of at least P1.5 million in incentives under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
But Gawilan hopes his accomplishments will mean more than medals and financial rewards. He wants his journey to encourage people with disabilities who have lost hope or believe their circumstances have already determined their future.
“I hope I can also inspire others with disabilities who have lost hope in life,” Gawilan said.
He understands that not everyone will become a champion or compete internationally. Still, he hopes his experience will show that a difficult beginning does not have to dictate how a person’s life turns out.
And for Gawilan, the greatest reward is waiting for him at home: Hanging his medals around his daughter’s neck.