Fighting chance for long jump ace Torres

There may be countless factors to consider, but as far as two-time Olympian Elma Muros-Posadas is concerned, all bets are off when you’re competing on the sporting world’s grandest stage.

And in that respect, the long-time Southeast Asian long jump queen-turned coach said Filipino bet in women’s long jump Marestella Torres has a fighting chance in London if she can perform well within her personal best of 6.70 meters.

“It’s hard to make predictions because you have to consider your physical condition on the day of the competitions plus the climate in London,” Muros-Posadas told the Inquirer. “And this is how far you can go because all the best athletes will be there competing against you.”

She added that long jump will be a test of nerves because “unlike in running events when you get to start at the same time with other competitors, in long jump you’re on your own. The important thing is not to get too excited.”

Muros-Posadas said it’s easy to get star-struck during competitions.

“You should not pay any attention to anything and anybody anymore even if you’re competing with athletes from the United States,” said the 17-time SEAG champion who once ran alongside American superstar Jackie Joyner-Kersee in the hurdles event of heptathlon during the 1996 World Championships.

She said she has high hopes for the 32-year-old Torres, whom she described as “a veteran with a lot of experience. She would know what to do in different conditions being a top-level athlete. She has the talent.”

The numbers, however, may paint a less rosy picture, as Torres’ best jump (which is also the standing SEAG mark and PH record) is way too far from the Olympic benchmark of 7.40 by Joyner-Jersee  in Seoul in 1988.