This was the line said by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association head that dropped long distance runner Mary Joy Tabal from the official list of athletes to the 29th Southeast Asian Games this coming August 19 to 30 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Philip Ella Juico’s PATAFA and MJT had some conflicting stands since the 2016 Rio Olympics and this time, it has finally gotten her excluded from the national team. Mr. Juico and his disciples had stated that among others, MJT had repeatedly refused to follow federation rules and insisted on training where she wants and with whom she wants.
Ok, let’s take a ride on this self-training issue. What’s the damn difference with those half-breeds training the whole time outside the country and then wear the Phl flag on their uniforms upside down when competition comes? These foreign-sired athletes most probably also get allowances from the NSAs even if they train outside the country.
Like the overseas-based athletes, MJT wanted to train where she’s comfortable and she has done very well without PATAFA’s help. This got the ire of the federation gods because credit perhaps is not due to them. Surely, truly, bias is present here. Is it because she comes from the provinces, a promdi, and only powered by corn grits and buwad labtingaw compared to those wolfing steaks and mashed potatoes with mixed greens on the side? And yet they say they’re not playing favorites.
They said that an athlete to be with the national team need to have respect towards authority and commitment to the team. Let’s read between the lines. Like some national athletes and coaches who reportedly spoke against MJT during a presser a few days ago, if you don’t lick ass and kiss balls, you’re out of the team.
I take exception to the statement of national track coach Jojo Posadas saying that MJT is using the local media in dealing with their rift. “Tira sila ng tira sa PATAFA sa local media…” Dammit, Cebu sports media base things on fact, not hearsay, supernatural or fiction. The local sports media association monitors its members and reprimands anyone, may they be high, low or mighty for any indiscretions detrimental to the good standing of the group.
And yes, since MJT is a locally grown and bred athlete, her rise to prominence is well documented locally including this freaking issue. If you don’t like what we write, hit the crossword puzzle. It broadens your thinking.
And is MJT really a prima donna, demanding this and that, as what Posadas claimed? She won’t be wasting her time teaching kids for free with her running clinics in several municipalities if she’s one haughty, bitchy snoot.
I am pleased that Cong. Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña and other local officials, sports personalities and PSC Commissioner Mon Fernandez had joined together in support of MJT. But no matter what this cumulative effort may bring, if PATAFA says no, then it’s no. Maybe they have a better long distance runner for the SEAG. Well, kung ayaw n’yo, di huwag.
PATAFA. Pathetic Arrogance Toward A Filipina Athlete.