Malalad eyes one more SEAG gold

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

KARATE QUEEN Gretchen Malalad isn’t retiring after all.

Saying she still has what it takes to win another gold medal, the former reality TV host has deferred her plan to quit the national team to pursue a four-peat in the SEA Games.

"The desire is still there," said Malalad. "Madami na akong napagdaanan as an athlete. Hindi siguro ganoong kadaling iwan ang karatedo. I still wanted to train, compete and bring home more medals."

Malalad confessed that she came close to quitting from competition after her dismal peformance in the 15th Doha Asian Games. But she changed her mind and will compete in the coming SEA Games in Thailand.

Malalad, however, has to endure a long recovery period to regain her top form. She will undergo surgery on Monday to repair an ACL (acute cruciate ligament) tear on her right knee.

The 2002 Busan Asian Games bronze medalist hurt her knee during the team’s practice for the Doha Asiad.

"Six months daw talaga bago ako maka-fully recover. Matagal-tagal pero kakayanin ko naman iyon," said Malalad during yesterday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan forum on Padre Faura in Mabini.

Injury is nothing new for the karatedo standout.

Months before the 2003 SEAG in Vietnam, Malalad dislocated her right shoulder that also required surgery. She still went on to win her second gold in the biennial event. She annexed her third gold when the SEA Games was held in the country two years ago.

Despite her long recovery period, Malalad will remain in the national team even without going through the selection process in deference to her achievement as one of the country’s most decorated athletes.

"She (Malalad) gave our country so many honors and I think it is just right to give her the chance. She’s just required to attend the workshop of our national open," said Philippine Karate Federation President Ed Ponce.

The PKF is holding the national selection in Manila on Mar. 23 to 25 and in Cebu on Mar. 26 to 28. PKF hopes to finalize its team by August.

Taken from:   http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT2007021086780.html