Angel Otom places 6th in Paralympics 50m backstroke final

Filipina para swimmer Angel Mae Otom displayed an exceptional performance in her debut stint at the 2024 Paralympic Games after finishing 6th overall in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5 final at the Paris La Defense Arena Wednesday midnight, September 4 (Philippine time).

Otom registered a time of 44 seconds, 0.3 faster than her qualifying time in the heats, to place sixth among eight finalists as China swept the podium places.

Reigning world champion and world record holder Lu Dong ruled the event after clocking in 37.51 seconds, allowing her to secure her second gold medal for her seventh career Paralympic title. 

Meanwhile, He Shenggao followed with a recorded time of 39.93 for silver, and Liu Yu for bronze with 42.37 seconds.

The seven-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist will have one more crack at a medal when she returns to action on Friday, September 6, for the women’s 50 meter butterfly S5 event.