Marathoner Mary Joy Tabal has been reinstated back into the national team, the Philippine Track and Field Association (Patafa) said Tuesday, a move that should pave the way for her inclusion to the Philippine delegation to the Rio Olympics this August.
Patafa chief Philip Juico relayed Tabal’s reinstatement yesterday afternoon, a day after meeting with the 26-year-old from Cebu, who made the Olympic standard after placing eighth in a race in Ottawa, Canada, late last month.
But Juico made it clear that Tabal’s membership status is subject to the guidelines of the Patafa.
“Please note that your continued membership is depended on your compliance with the pertinent rules and regulations of Patafa and other organizations allied to the Patafa,” said Juico in a letter addressed to Tabal.
Juico even gave credit to Tabal’s training that he is giving his camp the go-signal to conduct “her own training program,” noting that her meeting the Olympic grade was enough proof that her buildup was effective.
Tabal will also be allowed by the Patafa to confer with her current set of trainers “for her best interest” but “technical and ministerial concerns” will be done through the Patafa’s coach.
Still, Tabal will not be prevented from bringing her team members to Rio provided that they pay their own way there.
Tabal clocked 2 hours and 43 minutes and 30 seconds during the Scotiabank Ottawa event, one and a half minutes faster than the qualifying mark.
