Nakatakdang makipag-usap si marathoner Mary Joy Tabal kay Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Philip Ella Juico upang maresolba ang gusot na nilikha ng kanyang pagkakapasa sa Rio Olympic qualifying.
Nauna rito, pormal na hiniling ni Tabal sa isang sulat kay Juico ang kanyang pagbabalik sa National Team.
“I am Mary Joy Tabal and I am writing to formally request the PATAFA to reinstate me as a member of the Philippine national track and field team,” pahayag ni Tabal sa sulat.
“I was a part of the national team and suited up for the country in the Southeast Asian Games where I earned a silver medal. However, I would like to address and say that I did resign and I need your approval for me to return to the national team.
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“I resigned from the national team to pursue a different path. But rest assured, my desire to represent the country in the Olympics continues to burn,” aniya.
“Leaving the Philippine Team was a bold move on my part and if it slighted you in any way, I would like to assure you that I meant no disrespect. I still hold the PATAFA – the officials led by you and the people behind it – in high regard. Again, leaving was not a sign of disrespect. At that time, I just felt that I wanted to pave my own path as far as my running career is concerned”.
“Aside from this, I also want to clarify that I have never said anything that will put PATAFA in bad light, despite everything that came out—published in social media. I feel the need to say that here, not really to defend myself but to clear the air,” pahayag pa ni Tabal.
Kasama sa sulat na ipinadala ni Tabal ang letter of certification mula naman kay Run Ottawa president and Race Director John Halvorsen na nagsasabi na nakapagkuwalipika ito sa karera na isang gold standard Olympic qualifying.
Nalampasan ni Tabal ang Olympic qualifying time na 2:45 sa pagtala ng personal best 2:43.29 sa Scotia Bank Ottawa Marathon sa Canada noong Mayo 29. - Angie Oredo
