Thailand’s track and field team is determined to put on a show before host Philippines during the 30th Southeast Asian Games scheduled Nov. 30-Dec. 11.
Philippine Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico told Tempo on Thursday that the globe-trotting Thai track team is still on competition mode.
“From what I know, Thailand is still overseas competing,” said Juico, noting that the Thais have been pretty active.
While most of the SEAG opposition is already tapering down, the Thais remain focused on improving.
“It is as if the SEAG is just a part of their overall preparations unlike most of us (in Southeast Asia),” said Juico, who is relying heavily on a team beefed up by recruits mostly from the US.
Juico reveals that most of the local talent has been complaining of various aches and pains, prompting the athletics boss to surmise that the medal production will be dominated by the US-based bets.
However, Juico swears that pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who is training in Italy, appears to be right on track in his quest to lead the charge of the island-born entries.
“He’s getting in a week before his event,” said Juico, who, nonetheless is wary of the opposition.
“In sports, you’ll never know. Even if you are in the top ten, you can be beaten by a lower-ranked player.”
But one good thing about Obiena is that he is not zeroing on the SEAG standard.
“His concentration is the (Tokyo) Olympics,” he added.
That certainly bodes well for Obiena, the first Filipino qualifier to the 2020 Olympics. (NICK GIONGCO)