Marestella Torres-Sunang has shelved her plans to retire from active competition.
Now 40, Torres-Sunang said she has decided to continue competing with an eye for a medal and a podium finish in the coming 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
The long layoff that lasted almost two years since the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns began in March last year has given Torres-Sunang the thirst for competition.
Her performance in the coming Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships this December will help her find out how far she has gone.
“My joining the SEA Games will be based on my performance in the National Open. Getting a podium finish there is a goal,” said Torres-Sunang on the weekly radio program, PSC Hour.
The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association is set to hold the Athletics Championships on December 9 and 10 at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
With pandemic restrictions easing to Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila, it will be possible to hold the national meet at the Philsports Complex next month.
Training for the athletics’ team has been going on for the last four weeks at the Baguio Athletic Bowl, in coordination with the local government unit of Baguio City.
Torres-Sunang has been part of that bubble training as one of 36 national athletes that the PATAFA sent to Baguio City. Their camp will conclude by Nov. 28.
In the last SEA Games, Torres-Sunang missed a bronze medal after tying Vietnamese bet Vu Thi Mong Mo for third at 6.16 meters.
Indonesia’s Natalie Londa took the gold in 6.47 meters, followed in second by Thailand’s Parinya Chuaimaroeng, who grabbed the silver at 6.23 meters.
“It’s nice to be back. Na-kundisyon ulit ang katawan mo at prepared na ang mind and body mo para sa lahat,” she added.
Torres-Sunang, who is married to shot put specialist Ely Sunang, said she trained with in a gym while under lockdown in Metro Manila.