BACOLOD CITY, May 7 -- Despite his physical limitation, 10-year-old Zach Lucas Obsioma of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, continues to literally make waves as a swimmer, earning a ticket to the Palarong Pambansa for the second time.

Afflicted with a rare birth defect called phocomelia, marked by shortened limbs, the Level 5 Special Education (SPED) learner ruled the pool anew to bag three gold medals in the para games of the 2024 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet hosted by Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, which ended on Tuesday.

His mother, Mavet, said she did not expect Lucas would become a swimming champion because he disliked being in water when he was younger.

"Now, it is overwhelming for us to see him wi...