Elizabeth Bayla, the 56-year-old archer from Baguio City, made a remarkable achievement at the 8th Philippine National Para Games by clinching the gold medal in the women’s compound Open division. The competition, held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, saw Bayla outlast veteran archer Agustina Bantiloc in a thrilling final, winning by a narrow margin of 132-131 in the 15-arrow Olympic round.
This victory adds another milestone to Bayla’s career, following her win in the recurve event in 2019. With this latest triumph, Bayla continues to prove that experience, resilience, and focus are key to success—especially in the highly competitive world of para-archery.
A Thrilling Final Round
The gold medal match was nothing short of exciting. Agustina Bantiloc, a seasoned competitor, dominated the 72-arrow elimination phase with 639 points and 19 bullseyes. Bayla, however, stayed within striking distance, finishing the elimination round with 637 points and 25 perfect shots.
When it came to the final 15-arrow Olympic round, the contest was intense. Bayla managed to edge out Bantiloc with a single-point victory, 132-131. “It was a close fight. Anyone can win,” Bayla said after the match. Her ability to stay calm and maintain focus during such a close contest ultimately led her to the gold medal.
Eyeing International Glory
With her gold medal in hand, Bayla has now set her sights on international competition. Her performance at the National Para Games qualifies her for upcoming international events, including the ASEAN Para Games and the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
But Bayla's biggest goal is to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. “Of course, everyone dreams of going to the Paralympics,” she said, showing her determination to reach the highest level of para-sports. Bayla's drive and commitment to improving her skills are clear as she works toward her Paralympic dream.
Inspiring Through Adversity
Bayla's journey to the gold medal is an inspiring story of resilience. Despite having an amputated left leg, she has never let her disability define her. Instead, Bayla has used her challenges as fuel for success, becoming a role model for aspiring para-athletes across the country. Her victory at the National Para Games is a testament to her strength, determination, and unyielding spirit.
