Otom reaches Paralympics 50m back final

MANILA, Philippines — Fantastic.

That was how Filipina swimming wonder Angel Otom described her effort in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S7 heats that earned her a place in the final in the 17th Paralympics at the Paris La Defense Arena yesterday.

Armless but with a big heart and a happy disposition, the 21-year-old multiple Asean Para Games gold winner braved through the tough field and clocked 44.03 seconds, good for seventh and a ticket to the final.

“Kinakabahan din po, pero overall masaya din. Maganda yung experience. Sobrang proud na nakapunta ako dito,“ said Otom, emerging from the pool on her Paralympic debut with a smile.

“To think that this is Angel’s first Paralympics, magandang experience ito para sa kanya. We will use the time we have to mentally prepare her so she can go all out and do better in the final,” said assistant coach Brian Ong.

The Olongapo City native and University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics student finished fourth in her heat behind China’s He Shenggao (41.31) and Liu Yu (42.59), and Turkey’s Summeye Boyaci (44.84).

Chinese defending champion and top favorite Liu Dong led all the eight qualifiers in 39.48 seconds.