PATAFA approves Tabal’s reinstatement

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) announced on Tuesday that it has reinstated top marathoner Mary Joy Tabal as a member of the Philippine national Athletics team.

“We have long wanted to protect Mary Joy and we have questioned her racing schedule and its effects on her ability to sustain steady improvements over time. However, we also recognize she did qualify on her own. So we put our differences aside, we reinstated her, and we have allowed her to follow her own training program, despite our concerns. And we hope for the best in Rio for the nation,” the PATAFA said in a statement.