Mangliwan captures first silver for Team Philippines in 4th Asian Para Games

Jerrold Mangliwan surged in the final 30 meters, snatching the silver medal in the men’s 100-meter T52 finals at the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games trackfest, held at the Huanglong Sports Stadium oval on Tuesday, October 24. 

Mangliwan, racing in the outer lane, carefully strategized his race before unleashing a burst of speed, achieving a personal best time of 18.65. This marked his first medal in the Games, following a fourth-place finish in the same event in the Jakarta, Indonesia staging of the Games in 2018.

Defending champion Ito Tatsuya of Japan retained his title and set a new meet record of 17.41 meters. South Korea’s Jeon Jeongdae, who clocked 18.67, claimed the bronze in Mangliwan’s fourth consecutive Asian Para Games appearance, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay God na binigyan niya ako ng ganitong pagkakataon. First time na mag-Asian Para Games medal pagkatapos ng apat na kompetisyon. Wala na seguro akong masasabi pa (I thank God that he gave me this opportunity. First time Asian Para Games medal after four competitions. I’m not sure what else to say),” Mangliwan said.

He added, “Nagbunga yung training namin ni coach Joel (Deriada) and Bernard (Ebuen) kasi ang game ko talaga sa bandang dulo dahil basag ako talaga sa starting (Our training with coach Joel and Bernard paid off because my game is really at the end and starting is a struggle).” He dedicated his silver to cousin Handsome Magdiwang, who figured in an accident back home.

The ASEAN Para Games double gold medalist is expected to be a strong contender for another medal in his pet event, the men’s 400-meter T52 contest scheduled later this week.

Later in the evening, swimmer Ernie Gawilan aimed to contribute to the country’s medal tally, as he finished strongly in second place during the heats of the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event with a time of 5:11.16. Gawilan was just behind Singaporean Soong Too Wei (5:09.82).  Gawilan, who hails from Davao City, copped the 200-meter individual medley the previous day.  He seemed to be conserving his strength for the finals, given that he currently holds the Asian Para Games record of 4:51.00 from his victory in the event in the Indonesian capital five years ago.

In another development, APG rookie Joseph Ariel Alegarbes made it to the finals of the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14 event on Tuesday night, clocking 1:01.16 to finish sixth among the eight finalists.

Meanwhile,  Angel Mae Otom finished fourth in the women’s 200-meter freestyle S5 finals with a time of 3:32.34. The ASEAN Para Games quadruple gold medalist’s teammates, Marco Tinamisan (men’s 100-meter freestyle S4) and Roland Sabio (men’s 200-meter IM SM9) failed to advance after their heat performances.

Seasoned powerlifter Achelle Guion also landed fourth by lifting 83 kilograms in the women’s -45-kilogram division.