Marathoner Mary Joy Tabal has found an ally in PATAFA chairman emeritus Go Teng Kok in her fight to join the Philippine track and field team to the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Though he acknowledged that discipline and world of honor are vital components to the success of an athlete, Go yesterday asked track boss Philip ‘Popoy’ Juico to reconsider his decision after dropping Tabal from the PH roster.
“Yes, discipline is a must, but as sport leaders we are also required to do the same. We have to guide and see to it that athletes are taken care of, in and out of the playing field,” said Go.
Go is certain that Tabal can contribute to the country’s cause.
The Cebuana runner is coming off an impressive showing in the 2017 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon in Canada where she clocked one hour 16 minutes and 27 seconds – more than two minutes faster than her previous best time and national record of 1:18.44.
In dropping Tabal from the PH roster, Juico said: “An athlete must have a word of honor, fidelity to the national team, respect for fellow athletes and authority, commitment to the federation and the absence of any abhorrent attitude of entitlement.” (Edwin Rollon)