Otom advances to Paralympic 50m butterfly finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino para swimmer Angel Otom will have a last crack at a medal in the Paris Paralympics after punching a ticket into the final of women’s 50m butterfly - S5 Friday afternoon (Manila time).

Otom tallied 46.85 seconds, good for fifth-fastest total after the heats.

The 21-year-old finished third in Heat 1 behind China’s Lu Dong (40.50 seconds) and Turkiye’s Sevilay Ozturk (44.70 seconds).

Lu topped the 13-woman field, followed by compatriot He Shenggao with 43.11 seconds.

China’s Jiao Cheng came in fourth overall with 46.01 seconds, while Italy’s Giulia Ghiretti (47.81 seconds,) Brazil’s Esthefany Rodrigues (49.32 seconds) and Turkiye’s Sumeyye Boyaci (51.87 seconds) complete the competitors in the final.

Otom is one of two remaining Filipinos still competing in Paris.

The other is javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, who is still yet to compete.

The final of the event will be on Friday at 11:30 p.m. (Manila time).