Mangwilan is set to compete in the finals of the men’s 1,500m T52 race on Sunday, at 8:42 p.m. (7:42 PM Manila Time) and will be at lane four against six other finalists.

The PH flag bearer during the opening ceremony was disqualified from the 400m T52 race due to “lane infringement” along with USA’s Isaiah Rigo last Friday and violated the World Para Athletics Rule 18.a.

Coach Joel Deriada, who is in Manila after testing positive for COVID-19, said that had everything been okay, Mangliwan would have finished fifth overall in a new national record of one minute and .80 seconds.

Deriada said that Mangliwan was not aware of his disqualification and reasoned out that since the athlete’s right arm is stronger than the left, his all-out effort leads unintendedly crossing the Austrian’s lane.

“Hindi alam ni Jerrold na na-DQ siya kasi umalis na siya kaagad pagkatapos niyang makita yong time at pumunta sa dining hall ng makausap ko,” Deriada said.

“Tinanong ko kung alam niya na pumasok siya sa lane ng kalaban, ang sagot niya, ‘Hindi na coach, kasi tinodo-todo ko na at nakapikit na ko nang malapit sa finish line.”

“Baka nga kumaliwa at pumasok sa lane sa lakas ng hataw ng kanang kamay niya,” Deriada explained. 

Mangliwan was dismayed and disheartened over his disqualification, but coach Deriada said “Mangliwan is a fighter and got over it right away. He is looking forward to racing on Sunday.”