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Joseph slams diving coach
Written by Staff   
Thursday, 14 August 2008 23:14

The morale of Filipino divers Sheila Mae Perez and Ryan Fabriga was reportedly at its lowest following the disparaging comments aired by their Chinese coach, Zhang Deju.

This prompted Philippine Amateur Swimming Association chief Mark Joseph to scold Zhang.

“I was a little bit worried about them since they read stories about the interview with their Chinese coach. You can see the difference during practice session. They were really hurt with the negative statements coming from coach Deju. It was really below the belt for athletes, who strived and sacrificed a lot to give the country some moment of glory,” said Joseph to mediamen in yesterday’s teleconference at the Philippine Sports Commission Manila Bureau Olympic Center headed by PSC commissioner Eric Loretizo.

“They were devastated and demoralized, so I guess it’s really hard for them to perform better in their events,” he added.

Joseph said he was disgusted and frustrated on learning about Zhang’s statement to local media covering the Team Philippines’ campaign in Beijing Olympics.

He called the move “unprofessional and irresponsible.”

“Mali ang ginawa niya, kaya pinagalitan ko ng todo. Siya ang dapat magpalakas ng loob ng ating mga atleta at hindi sumira sa diskarte ng mga ito,” said Joseph.

Joseph had already recommended to the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee not to renew Zhang’s contract.

Zhang publicly criticized the two divers for performing way below the standards he set and likewise questioned their lack of dedication and perseverance. Edwin Rollon

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