BACOLOD City – Zach Lucas Obsioma, a 10-year-old legless swimmer from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental had another stellar outing in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2024 held in Cebu City.
Obsioma, who suffers from a rare phocomelia disease, snatched two gold medals and a silver medal in swimming boys (amputee category) of the para games.
Mentored by Max Fermales and Lyn Rabuya, the Cadiz City native captured gold medals in both the 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter free style, and a silver medal in the 50-meter breast stroke.
The Grade 5 pupil of Special Education – Cadiz Center got interested in swimming just last year.
He trained at Laura’s Beach Resort in Cadiz until he saw himself competing at the Provincial Meet at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City in March last year.
He eventually won and reached the Palarong Pambansa 2023 held in Marikina City, where he had also won three gold medals.
With his feat at this year’s Palaro, Cadiz City’s Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said 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 city mayor said. “Zach is truly an inspiration among Cadiznons and Negrosanons as well.”/PN
