A 10-year-old boy without legs from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental won two gold medals in swimming in the just-concluded Palarong Pambansa 2024 held in Cebu City.
Zach Lucas Obsioma, who is afflicted with the rare phocomelia disease, ruled the boys amputee category in the Para Games of Palaro.
The Max Fermales and Lyn Rabuya-mentored tanker bagged gold medals both in the 50-meter back stroke and 50-meter free style, and a silver medal in the 50-meter breast stroke.
The Grade 5 student at Special Education (SPED)-Cadiz Center manifested interest in swimming only last year.
He then trained at Laura’s Beach Resort until he saw himself competing in the Provincial Meet at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City in March last year.
He eventually reached the Palarong Pambansa 2023 held in Marikina City, where he won three gold medals.
Last May, he became a swimming sensation at the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet held the St. John’s Institute-Ayala Campus in Talisay City.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said that Cadiz is again “beyond proud” of their legless swimmer.
“For two years now, Zach never failed to give us honor despite his physical disability,” the mayor said in a press statement issued by the Cadiz City government.
“Zach is truly an inspiration among Cadiznons and Negrosanons as well,” Escalante added. ||
