By JOEL C ESCOL, Managing Editor
On Tuesday, 21-year-old Angel Otom made her debut at the Paralympics in Paris, showcasing her resilience and determination despite her physical limitations. Competing in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5 event at the Paris La Defense Arena, Otom’s performance marked a significant milestone in her athletic career.
Born without a left arm and with an underdeveloped right arm, Otom’s journey to the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a student at Olongapo City National High School, where she competed in editorial cartooning contests using her feet, to her current status as a world-class swimmer, Otom has continually defied expectations.
Otom’s rise to prominence began at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Surakarta, Indonesia, where she won three gold medals. She further cemented her reputation as a formidable athlete at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she claimed four gold medals in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5, 50-meter butterfly S5, 50-meter freestyle S5, and 200-meter individual medley SM5 events.
Now, as the youngest member of the six-athlete Philippine delegation in Paris, Otom faced her biggest challenge yet. Competing in heat 1 of the 50-meter backstroke, she needed to be one of the eight fastest swimmers to advance to the finals, scheduled for Wednesday. Despite the intense competition, Otom remains focused on her goal of representing the Philippines with pride.
In addition to her Paralympic debut in the backstroke, Otom is set to compete in the 50-meter butterfly event on September 6, further showcasing her versatility and determination in the pool.
Otom’s achievements have not only inspired many but also highlighted the potential of athletes with disabilities. As a Sports Science student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, she balances her academic pursuits with her athletic ambitions, proving that physical limitations are no barrier to success.
Meanwhile, fellow Filipino swimmer Ernie Gawilan, a three-time Paralympian, was competing in his second and final event in Paris, the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7, aiming to add another medal to his already impressive record.
Angel Otom’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, as she continues to break barriers and inspire others on the global stage. ###
