Fil-Am tanker delivers first gold for US

MANILA, Philippines — Still in search of Paris Paralympic glory, the Philippines is finding solace there is someone with Filipino roots they can draw inspiration from.

Swimmer Gia Pergolini, whose father Bill is an Italian-American and mother Alice Masangkay a Filipina, captured her second gold by topping the women’s 100-meter backstroke S13 at the La Defensa Arena in Paris, France over the weekend.

Pergolini, 20, ruled the same three years ago in Tokyo and showed great determination to defend her title in the French capital, striking once again in the event for athletes with less severe visual impairments.

It was the United States’ first gold in the Paris Games.

And there is hope Pergolini’s success would trickle down to a Philippine squad eyeing its own place in the sun.

Pergolini later said she drew inspiration from her mom.

“I think I blacked out at one moment, but I remember getting in the water and hearing my mom. I barely heard the crowd,” said Pergolini in an Associated Press report.

Meanwhile, Filipina Angel Otom tries to vent her frustration from her heartbreaking effort in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5 in a bid to give it all in the 50m butterfly Friday also at the La Defense Arena.

The 21-year-old Olongapo City lass wound up sixth in the 50m backstroke final in 44 seconds flat yesterday.

“Masaya akong nandito pero sayang, sayang. Pangit yung last 15 meters ko. Pinilit ko lang matapos maski sa sakit na naramdaman ko,” said the armless tanker.