Judgment day for Tabal
Goes for break-through gold in SEA Games today
Mary Joy Tabal hopes to deliver the first gold medal of the Philippines in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as the Cebuana Olympian competes in women's marathon early morning today at the new-look Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tabal, who made history as the first Filipina marathoner in the Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil last year, said she feels a bit pressured at the same time excited on the task at hand.
If victorious, it would be her best ever performance in an international competition.
But more than improving her silver-medal finish in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games, Tabal vows to give her best for the glory and honor of her native land.
"It's a bit pressure but I'm excited to do it for our country," answered Tabal when asked on the possibility of her producing Phl's gold in the 10-day sports conclave that happens only once every two years.
Given her shining accomplishments that led her to the prestigious Boston, Los Angeles and Paris marathons, expectations are high for the pride of Barangay Guba, Cebu City.
But the 27-year-old Tabal is ready to rise above the challenge in her pursuit of golden glory.
"I also know that you cannot predict on what will happen during the competition but I made myself ready for everything. I am hoping that I can deliver everything I have been training," assured the country's undisputed marathon queen and recordholder for four years now.