Mary Joy Tabal Gives Philippine Team First Gold in SEA Games 2017

Cebuana marathoner Mary Joy Tabal earned Philippines’ first gold at the on-going South East Asian Games 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She won the 42K Marathon in 2 hours, 43 minutes and 31 seconds, well ahead of her competitors, Hong Thi Tanh of Vietnam and Natthaya Thanaronnwat of Thailand who were awarded silver and bronze respectively.

She broke down in tears at the finish line. She said “ Tears of joy talaga. Yung feeling ko na lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, yung hirap, yung training, yung sacrifices ko, parang nagbunga siyang lahat. Despite of the fact I was a little pressured to realy deliver a good performance”, she told Rappler.

It was Phillipine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Philip Ella Juico who assisted her after crossing the finish line, recognizing her of the talents and hard work and sacrifice in winning this prestigious event.

“We congratulate Mary Joy Tabal for giving the Philippines its first gold medal with her performance in the women’s marathon at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” Malacañang said in a statement read by China Jocson, assistant to the Presidential Spokesperson, on state-run Radyo Pilipinas on Saturday.
“Congratulations to our athletes and good luck to the rest of the Philippine team. The whole nation is solidly behind you. Mabuhay po kayo!” the Palace continued.