PARIS — Para swimmer Angel Mae Otom qualified to the final of the women’s 50-meter backstroke event on Tuesday in the 17th Paralympic Games.

In her first Paralympics, the quadruple gold medalist in the Asean Para Games made her presence felt on the world stage, clocking 44.03 seconds in the first of two heats to secure a spot in the medal race early Wednesday morning (12:34 a.m. Manila time).

“Sobrang ganda ng experience ko at nakaka-proud talaga. Kinakabahan din ako as an athlete pero overall masaya,’’ said Otom.

World record-holder Lu Dong topped the qualifying heats in 39.48 seconds followed by fellow Chinese He Shenggao (41.31) and Liu
Yu (42.59).

“She’ll definitely go all out in the final. It’s six hours from now, so for now magpapahinga muna Angel as we mentally prepare her for the next race,’’ said national para swimming assistant coach Bryan Ong.

He and Liu led Otom’s heat while Sumeyye Boyaci of Turkey likewise advanced.

The armless Otom is considered a top medal prospect among the Filipino para athletes in these Games with the team backed by the
Philippine Sports Commission.