Cendy Asusano replaces Angel Otom as PH flag bearer in Paralympics closing ceremony

Para javelin thrower Cendy Asusano will serve as the country's flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games closing ceremony at the Stade de France.

Initially, Filipina para swimmer Angel Mae Otom was set to be the Philippines' representative but a change was made last minute.

"We made a last-minute decision that it would be Asusano and not Angel Mae Otom would be the standard-bearer at the closing ceremonies," PH squad chef de mission Ral Rosario said in a statement.

"Cendy will likely get help from taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, who will be pushing her wheelchair," he added.

The replacement came after Asusano, a native of Sorsogon, ended her Paralympics campaign. She recorded a new personal best and placed fourth overall in the Women's Javelin Throw F54.

This was the Philippines' highest finish out of the country's six representatives at the Paralympic Games.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Otom fell short to reach a podium finish in the women's 50m backstroke S5 and 50m butterfly S5 but entered the finals twice. She ended 6th and 5th in the two events, respectively.

Nonetheless, Otom's 2024 Paralympics performance surpassed her World Para Swimming Championships performance last year in Manchester, England, marking two seconds faster (45.78 seconds) than her previous mark (47.52 seconds) in the latter event.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics are closing on Sept. 4, 2 a.m. Philippine Time.