Tabal meets PATAFA, but no decision yet on Rio Olympics

MANILA, Philippines – Marathon queen Mary Joy Tabal and her sponsors met officials of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) on Monday, June 13 but no immediate decision was made about her joining into the national team for the Rio Olympics despite making the qualifying time.

Tabal’s group and the PATAFA led by its president Philip Juico discussed her situation, especially on the Cebuana runner being reinstated into the national team.

Even if Tabal surpassed the Olympic qualifying mark by nearly two minutes in a marathon in Ottawa some 3 weeks ago, the 26-year-old runner needs to fulfill some conditions to be taken back into the national team and make the team to Rio. Tabal left the team over alleged disagreements with the PATAFA over her training and how many road races she must join.

“IAAF (the world ruling body on athletics) still has to acknowledge she had qualified. We can reinstate her but if IAAF doesn’t certify her acceptance by July 11, she can’t go and Marestella (who’s already accepted), goes,” said Juico in a text message to Rappler.com.

Aside from the certification, Tabal has to pass the mandatory unannounced out of competition drug test. The results will be known in 10 days, a PATAFA statement said.

Juico said this “could lead to qualifying for Rio… assuming she officially accepts all conditions of being part of (the) national team to the Rio Olympics and she passes drug/doping test,” said Juico.

Eric Cray, the 400m hurdler, had qualified on time. Based on an IAAF rule allowing a female athlete to qualify if a male athlete made the standard, Torres made the Olympic team. – Rappler.com