Ernie Gawilan formalized his entry in the Tokyo Paralympics after seeing action in the World Para Swimming World Series in Berlin, Germany.

Aside from booking his ticket to Tokyo, Gawilan also bagged a bronze medal in Berlin on Sunday, June 20, as he placed third in the men’s 400m freestyle with a time of 5:03.74.

In February last year, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) awarded Gawilan a Paralympic berth following his record-setting showing in the Asian Para Games after clocking in 4:51 in the 400m freestyle.

But according to Team Para Philippines chef de mission Francis Diaz, Gawilan needed to participate in Berlin to officially nail his Paralympic spot as he had to undergo a classification process set by the IPC.

It will be the second straight Paralympics for Gawilan, who donned the national colors in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The swimmer from Davao is expected to compete in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle.

Gawilan will be joined by taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin in the delegation for Tokyo. – Rappler.com