Swimmer Gary Bejino dives into Tokyo Paralympics action to open PH campaign

Gary Bejino kicks off the Philippine team's campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics when he sees action in the men's SM6 200-meter individual medley at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre on August 26, Thursday.

The 23-year-old swimmer is scheduled to race in lane No. 7 in the second of three heats which start at 9:32 a.m. (8:32 a.m. Manila time).

Bejino will be pitted against five other participants in Leo McCrea of Switzerland, Talisson Henrique of Brazil, Andrei Granichka of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC), Hongguang Jia of China, and David Sanchez Sierra of Spain.

Only the best eight athletes through all heats will make it to the finals, which is also slated later in the day.

The first Philippine representative to plunge into action, Bejino admitted that he's feeling the tension as he could set the momentum for four other Filipino para-athletes set to compete in the coming days.

"I'm feeling a bit nervous since I am the first athlete from our country to compete," Bejino said in Filipino.

But national team swimming coach Tony Ong told him to just enjoy every moment of his maiden Olympic stint in his young career.

"But I told him not to worry and enjoy. In enjoying the process and you make it to the finals, then let’s take it from there.”

Bejino would have been joined by another para-athlete but powerlifter Achele Guion will miss out the Games after testing positive for COVID-19.

Guion was supposed to compete in the women's -45kg also on Thursday. — LA, GMA News