Tabal upbeat on Asiad bid

CEBU, Philippines — Coming off an intensive training in Italy, Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal is ready to give her best as she vies for a medal in the marathon event of the 18th Asian Games this Sunday in Indonesia.

Tabal is not only aiming for a medal but she also targeting a personal best of two hours and 40 minutes.

The 29-year-old Tabal said that her Asiad campaign is special as she has now represented the country in all three major multi-sporting events including the Olympics and the Southeast Asian Games, where she bagged the gold medal.

Tabal is also inspired to give her best as fellow Cebuana Rinna Babanto has already secured a bronze medal last Sunday in the taekwondo event.

“I am happy for her (Rinna Babanto). She will definitely be an added inspiration for me to work harder,” added Tabal.

The country’s marathon queen will face a tough challenge against other elite female marathoners coming from Bahrain, Japan, China and Korea.

In a send-off press conference yesterday at the MotorAce Philippine’s office, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed his support to Tabal.

“I am here to cheer for Joy. I want to tell her that whole Cebu is behind her in her quest to give honor to the country,” said Osmeña.

Tabal’s long-time trainer in John Philip Dueñas is confident that the Cebuana is ready and will be able to accomplish her goal in Indonesia.

“I know she can do it. There are factors of course like the weather and race course but I believe Joy is ready,” said Dueñas. (FREEMAN)