US Olympic speed coach to train tracksters

MANILA, Philippines - A speed coach from the US Olympic track team is coming over to help turn Filipino athletes into speed demons.

This was confirmed yesterday by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia after he recently sat down with Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association chief Go Teng Kok.

In their meeting, the PSC chief assured the long-time Patafa president that Ryan Flaherty, who specializes in kinesiology and biomechanics, is not here to displace any Filipino coach.

“The Patafa has nothing to lose and everything to gain here,” said Garcia, who added that Go has already agreed on the PSC plan to use Flaherty’s services.

“Ryan will not displace any of our coaches. The security of coaches will still be there. We will retain our coaches and Mr. Go Teng Kok has agreed to this setup,” Garcia added.

The 30-year-old Flaherty was in the country for the recent Philippine National Games, and saw the potential of the Filipino track bets.

Jeff Tamayo, chef-de-mission of Philippine team to the Myanmar SEA Games in December, had discussed with Flaherty the country’s chances in the biennial event.

Looking at profiles of the athletes, including a couple of Fil-Americans, Flaherty said the Philippines can win as many as nine gold medals in the SEA Games.