Otom reaches 50 meter butterfly final

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ Angel Otom came through big in the heats in securing a seat in the final of the women’s 50-meter butterfly S5 in the 17th Paralympics at the Paris La Defense Arena yesterday.

The bubbly, armless wonder from Olongapo City clocked 46.85 seconds, good enough to clinch her a spot in the medal round set later the same day.

Otom joined a group headed by Chinese Lu Dong of China and He Shenggao, the 50m backstroke gold and silver winner who timed in 40.50 and 43.11, respectively, and Turkey’s Sevilay Ozturk, who had 44.70.

“Pinag-aralan ko mabuti ang dapat gawin sa swim na ito. Lalo ko pang pagbubutihin sa final,” said Otom, the reigning Asean Para Games champion in the same discipline.

Meanwhile, wheelchair thrower Cendy Asusano promised to give it her best when she debuts in women’s javelin F54 today at the La Stade de France.

“Ibibigay ko po yung aking 100 percent,” said Asusano.