Filipino Paralympic Athlete Secures Final Spot in Men's 400m T52, While Teammate Bantiloc Is Ousted in Archery

The Philippines' hopes for a Paralympic medal in track and field remain alive as Jerrold Mangliwan secured a spot in the final of the men's 400 meters T52. Mangliwan finished fourth in Heat 1 with a time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds at the Stade De France, a performance sufficient to earn him a place in the final as one of the next two fastest times outside the top three placers in the two heats.

Mangliwan will compete for a medal on Saturday, also at the Stade De France. However, his teammate Agustina Bantiloc was eliminated from the women's 1/16 elimination round in archery after losing to Jane Karla Gogel of Brazil, 143-127.

Bantiloc's Archery Journey Ends

Bantiloc, who finished last out of the 28 competitors in the ranking round, struggled to match Gogel's performance. She only managed two 10s compared to Gogel's eight 10s, highlighting the disparity in their performances. This early exit leaves Bantiloc's Paralympic journey short, raising questions about her preparation and future prospects.

Mangliwan's Road to the Medal

Mangliwan's journey to the final was not without its challenges. He will face stiff competition in the final, with Maxine Carabin of Belgium, the world record holder in the event, clocking 54.48 seconds in the heats. Japan's Tomoki Sato and Tomoya Ito follow closely with the next two best times at 58.04 and 1:00.42, respectively. Despite the formidable competition, Mangliwan will be aiming to secure a podium finish, particularly after a disappointing disqualification in the final of the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Other Filipino Athletes in Action

Beyond Mangliwan's race, other Filipino athletes will also be competing in different events. Ernie Gawilan will participate in Heat 2 of the men's 200m individual medley SM7 in swimming at the Paris La Defense Arena. Meanwhile, Allein Ganapin will begin his para taekwondo campaign in the men's K44 -80kg round of 32 against Hadi Hassanzada of the Refugee Paralympic Team at the Grand Palais.

A Moment of Hope for Philippine Paralympic Success

The Philippines' Paralympic team has experienced a mix of success and disappointment in the 2024 Games. While Bantiloc's elimination is a setback, Mangliwan's advancement to the final offers a glimmer of hope for a medal. The team's performance will depend on how each athlete navigates the challenges ahead, showcasing their skills and resilience on the international stage. The 2024 Paralympic Games is not only a platform for showcasing athletic prowess but also a testament to the unwavering spirit of these athletes, who continue to inspire and strive for greatness against all odds. The upcoming days will be crucial for the Filipino athletes as they compete for glory and strive to raise the Philippine flag high in the world of Paralympic sport.