ERNIE GAWILAN
Para Swimmer
Team
PHILIPPINES
HIS STORY
Date of birth: 5 May 1991
Nationality: Filipino
Sport: Para Swimming S7
Recent Achievements:
2023: Gold medal in Men’s 400m Freestyle S7 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and a Bronze medal in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM7. Gold in 200m Individual Medley SM7 at ASEAN Para Games
2024: Participated at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
2025: Gold medal in the Men’s 200m Freestyle S7 at ASEAN Para Games – a new Games record (2:26.08). He also won his 5th ASEAN Para Games Gold medal in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S7
HIS Sport
For Ernie Gawilan, the water has always been a place of freedom. Born with underdeveloped extremities, he learned to swim in the ocean as a child and quickly discovered a lifelong connection to the sport. That connection has carried him to the highest levels of para swimming, where he has represented the Philippines across regional and international competitions.
HIS Cause
Ernie’s love for the water extends beyond competition. Through his Dual Hero Project, he champions cleaner waters and encourages communities to play their part in protecting the environment. He believes healthy waterways create better futures for everyone and hopes to inspire more people to care for the natural spaces that connect and sustain us.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIS STORY, IN MOTION
From the pool to the oceans, Ernie is committed to create a better environment for his community.