Long jump queen Torres on comeback trail

MANILA, Philippines — Marestella Torres, Southeast Asia’s long jump queen, is making a comeback late this month.

“I miss going to the oval every day. I miss those tournaments where I usually compete in,” said the 32-year-old Torres, who was forced to skip the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Burma (Myanmar) and gave birth last month.

According to the two-time Olympian, she will begin training on the third week of March at the earliest in a bid to qualify for the 17th Asian Games set Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Incheon, South Korea.

Torres, looking to carry the national colors for the third time in the Asiad, said she’s aiming to make it back to the national team through the Philippine National Games or an international tournament where she could meet the standard.

“Hopefully, I could play in the PNG. If not, we’ll look for a competition that will help me perform in the Asian Games,” said the Dumaguete City-based Torres. “I have to meet the standard.”

Although the Philippine Sports Commission hasn’t approved her inclusion to the national pool, Torres said a benefactor has committed to guide her back in shape.

“I hope the PSC and the Patafa (Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association) will continue to support me,” she said.

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