Athletes vying for Olympic slot to travel two weeks before qualifiers

Filipino athletes competing in qualifying tournaments for a slot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will travel two weeks prior to their scheduled competitions, the Philippine Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday.

The move will allow the potential Olympians to complete possible quarantine procedures implemented by the host countries as a precaution against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Mahirap pag pumunta ka dun na wala pa, baka di ka maka-participate," said Olympic Chief of Mission Nonong Araneta.

The decision came after the spike in the number of cases in the Philippines and other countries prompted authorities to cancel events and put cities on lockdown.

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Several pre-Olympic tournaments were already postponed such as the 3x3 basketball qualifiers, or moved to another venue such as the boxing qualifiers.

Araneta said they just need to be advised by the sporting associations on the changes so the budget will be properly appropriated.

The Olympics itself faces the possibility of cancellation, but the POC is acting under the assumption that it will push through.

"Walang pang official cancellation, wala pang official postponement so we're preparing as if it's a go," Araneta said.

Gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxer Eumir Marcial have landed slots to the quadrennial meet.

Araneta estimated that the Philippines will send around 20 athletes to Tokyo, based on world rankings.

"Kasi sa swimming, dalawa tayo. We have three more sa athletics so that's eight. Sa weightlifting, sa skateboarding, sa rowing, 'yun ang magagandang rankings so far, sa judo, sa golf," he said. —MGP, GMA News