𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Archer Bantiloc bids adieu to Paris Paralympics” by Alyanna Latoreno Claveria

Published by: Clark Mariano

Date Published: September 1, 2024

Time Published: 1:47 PM

Fifty-eight-year-old Para archer Agustina Bantiloc closed out her run in the Paris Paralympics on Friday, August 30, in the women’s individual compound open event against Jane Karla Gogel from Brazil.

She registered a season-best 618 points in the ranking round last Thursday but ultimately exited in the 1/16 elimination after a 143-127 defeat to Gogel at the Esplanade des Invalides. 

The match was tightly contested in the first two ends, with Gogel holding a 58-53 lead. However, the Brazilian pulled ahead in the third end with a score of 29, while Bantiloc managed 24. 

Gogel, ranked third in the world, continued her strong performance with another 29 in the fourth end, compared to Bantiloc’s 27, securing a 116-104 advantage. Gogel’s victory sets up a face-off with China’s Zhou Jiamin in the next round on Saturday, August 31.

Bantiloc, who made history as the first Filipino archer to qualify for the Paralympics and served as one of the Philippines’ flag-bearers during the opening ceremony aalongside Ernie Gawilan, gave a commendable performance despite her loss. 

As Bantiloc concluded her historic journey, the remaining five Philippine representatives geared up for their own events.