IN HIS first out event in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, the Philippines’ Ernie Gawilan finished fifth in Heat 1 of the Men’s 200m Individual Medley – SM7 event. Gawilan clocked in at 2:50.49 seconds for the event held earlier today at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Gawilan’s time was not enough to qualify him for the finals of the said event. He finished ninth overall, with Israel’s Mark Malyar topping the overall field with his time of 2:32.86. The top eight athletes with the fastest times will move on to the 200m Individual Medley – SM7 finals.

The Filipino swimmer will still have a chance of bagging a medal as he competes in the Men’s 400m freestyle – S7 Heat 2 on Sunday, 8:07 AM Manila time.