Jerrold Mangliwan, the country’s top wheelchair racer, is inspiring the next generation of his family to be competitive.
After earning a total of six Asean Para Games gold medals in the last 18 years that he has competed, he inspired his three children to find their own interest and get serious with it.
When he finally earned two gold medals in the recently-concluded meet in Cambodia, his eldest child Ryzza, a taekwondo enthusiast, got encouraged to join the regionals in Bulacan.
The 14-year old Ryzza managed to top the Region 3 qualifiers, and earned the right to represent Bulacan in the national finals of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa this July in Marikina.
“Hopefully, sumunod siya sa yapak ko(as a competitive athlete),” said Mangliwan, whose family is based in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Mangliwan, afflicted by polio since he was two years old, is one of veteran competitors in Para Games since 2005.
He feels that the Cambodia games is very special to him and his family.
“Ito na po ang pinaka-special sa akin.Kasi po, well motivated ang team,” added Mangliwan, who is married to Rosie.
Because of the great support that he and members of the Philippine team had for each, Mangliwan said he was able to be at his best.
And he managed to lower his time in the 400-meters, from four minutes and two seconds, Mangliwan was able to submit a 4:01.
“Bumaba na ang oras mula nung huli akong sumali,” added Mangliwan.
Mangliwan’s two other kids, 13 year old Pete, and nine year old Peter Kyrie, also into taekwondo, and will mostly fight competitively as well, if given the chance.
Retirement is still far from the mind of Mangliwan, who is joining the Asian Para Games this October, the World Para Athletics Championships this July, and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports World Games in Thailand this December.