Filipino Olympian Mary Joy Tabal now leads Mandaue Sports Office while balancing motherhood

One of the most accomplished distance runners in Philippine history, Mary Joy Tabal continues to make her mark on the sport—this time off the road—while balancing a new and equally important role as a mother.

Tabal etched her name into the record books when she became the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympic Games, earning her spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her historic qualification remains a defining moment for Philippine athletics, inspiring a new generation of long-distance runners to pursue the global stage.

Now 36, Tabal has transitioned into public service as the sports development officer for the Mandaue City Sports Office in Mandaue City. In a recent guest appearance on Off the Court, she opened up about her life after competitive racing—one that requires her to juggle administrative duties while staying hands-on as a parent.

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“I’m very grateful that I get to work here in Mandaue. It’s perfect because after the pandemic, I got the opportunity to lead the Mandaue City Sports Office. I really need to give Athena parent time, so I don’t want to be an absent mom. I bring her to the office, and in most of my activities, she’s there. I’m being a mother and working at the same time,” Tabal said.

Her transition from elite athlete to sports administrator has been seamless in many ways, largely because of the perspective she gained during her years representing the country. Tabal emphasized that her firsthand experience allows her to better understand and respond to the needs of athletes under her care.

Running is an individual sport and this kind of event will surely encourage teamwork! I am excited to be a part of it – SEA Games Gold medalist Mary Joy Tabal pic.twitter.com/XRhEHQUOXK

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) March 14, 2018

“What’s good about being a former athlete leading the office is that I understand what athletes need. I empathize with them. When they ask for support, I explain the limitations but also how we can help them. We make sure to recognize winners and release incentives as fast as possible. Before, I experienced winning without receiving incentives. Now, we focus on proper recognition,” she added.

That empathy is rooted in a decorated career that saw Tabal compete at the highest levels across Southeast Asia and beyond. She represented the Philippines in three editions of the Southeast Asian Games, capturing silver medals in the 2015 Singapore Games and the 2019 Philippine-hosted edition, before reaching the pinnacle with a gold medal performance in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Games.

Domestically, Tabal dominated the long-distance scene, winning the women’s division of the prestigious National Milo Marathon Finals for six consecutive years from 2013 to 2018—a feat that underscored her consistency and endurance. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, as she was named 2016 Athlete of the Year by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu.

On the international stage, Tabal also tested herself against world-class competition. She represented the Philippines in the 2016 Boston Marathon alongside fellow Filipino runner Rafael Poliquit Jr., finishing 20th—a respectable showing in one of the world’s most prestigious races.

While her competitive days may be behind her, Tabal’s commitment to Philippine sports remains unwavering. Through her work in grassroots development and athlete support in Mandaue, she is helping shape the next generation—ensuring that young talents are given opportunities and recognition that were not always available during her own career.

In many ways, Tabal’s journey has come full circle. From breaking barriers as an Olympian to nurturing future champions, she continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and service—proving that her impact on Philippine athletics extends far beyond the finish line.

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