WITH THE massive support she is getting in the middle of her spat with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa), Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal said she feels inspired and more motivated to work harder.
The 28-year-old Tabal just arrived in Tuscany Italy, where she will be training for two months.
“I am very grateful to these people fighting for me. They became my voice in this very challenging time,” she said, referring to the people helping her get back to the roster of the National Team. “These kinds of acts make me more inspired and more motivated to continue what I started. This time, I will do my best.”
Tabal was removed from the National Team by the Patafa after allegedly violating some of the federation’s rules. The Patafa made the official announcement in a press conference last Monday night.
Tabal, in a press conference on Tuesday, said she didn’t know of any Patafa rule that she has violated.
The Cebu City government has offered to help her get reinstated by passing a resolution asking the Patafa to explain why she was excluded from the lineup for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) this August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Representative Gwen Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd District, also the Deputy Speaker, submitted to Congress on Thursday a resolution directing the Committee on Youth and Sports Development to investigate the issue.
Tabal also got load of positive comments on social media, with netizens showing their support for the runner from Barangay Guba, Cebu City who won a silver medal in the last SEAG in 2015 and became the only Filipino to compete in women’s Olympic marathon in 2016.
“I am [trying] to set aside these problems and with the support I am receiving from my fellow Filipinos, I am gaining strength to strive harder.”