Suspended

CEBU - The United States Swimming Association has imposed a three-month suspension on Michael Phelps for the celebrated ‘pot smoking’ photo.

The association said that it had to impose the suspension, which means the man, who holds the record for most medals won in one Olympics, will not be allowed to compete during that period.

All support and assistance he is getting from the association will also stop while he is in suspension.

The swimming body said that it had to do it for the sake of the hundreds of thousands, who look up to Phelps as their idol and hero.

This reminds me of something I came across inside the cubicle of our new reporter and my fellow UPian Jessica Ann Pareja. The saying goes, “Be conscious of how you live your life, because you don’t know, you may be the only bible that people read.”

It surely is a lesson for Phelps and I hope for all superstar athletes to be careful with what they do inside and outside the sporting arena.

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The 1st Cebu Rotary Run is set on February 22 at the Cebu Business Park. The event has the theme: “A green run for wellness.”

There has been so many running events the past couple of years and even if I am not taking part in any of them since I have been told to avoid running on hard surfaces, I throw in my support in what little way I can.

The race, according to the latest email I received, will have 1K, 5K and 10K events.

A field of about 500 runners is expected for this race. Maybe my brother and sister sportswriters would again want to join this. For those who are not very fit, you guys can join the 1K event hehehe…

If you want to join, better ask your Rotarian friends for more details since I could not find something on where to register in the email. There is however a part that says the entry fee is P150 and participants get a free singlet.

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MILESTONES: I’d like to wish several people a happy birthday as they all turn a year older today. Celebrating today are my cousin Mary Ann Quiñones-Unto, my sis and The Freeman opinion editor Debbie Dixie Duraliza, former sportswriter Katherine Dante-Sanchez and her twin sister Kristine, and also my former colleague in a publishing company Gail Manuel.

Belated birthday greetings go to Councilor Jose ‘Joey’ Daluz III, who turned a year older yesterday.

Advance birthday greetings to Tejero Councilman and The Freeman reporter Garry B. Lao, who is celebrating his birthday tomorrow.

More power to all of you!