Pinoy swimmer punches ticket to 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games

Ernie Galiwan will represent the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. (Simon Bruty for OISIOC via AFP)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ernie Galiwan became the first Filipino qualifier in the 2020 Paralympic Games that will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

Galiwan, a Paralympic swimmer, started his first professional competition way back 2008 and since then delivered tons of medal for the country with his international victories.

Also a qualifier at the 2018 Asia Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, the prized Pinoy swimmer will try to clinch the 2020 World Para Swimming World Series in Singapore and a seat in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Born in Marilog District, Davao City, Galiwan grew up with impoverished extremities that made it hard for him to keep up with the pace of the normal swimmers but did not give up, instead, he honed his craft and became the world champion he is today.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has shown full-support towards Galiwan’s achievement and will assist the swimmer in his international competition as the PH representative.