Still go for Go in bid for IAAF seat

His condition notwithstanding, Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) president has indicated he will pursue his campaign for a slot in the powerful 15-man International Amateur Athletics Federation Board and even hinted at attending the voting in Paris this August.

Go, who survived an ambush at the Rizal Memorial sports complex last week, is still recovering at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City under heavy guard from gunshot wounds in the face. Go underwent an operation at the Ospital Ng Maynila and another at St. Luke’s to remove a slug near the base of his brain.

Although unable to speak, Go gestured in his hospital bed that he’ll be discharged in a few days. He even raised both fists as if to say he’s on the way to full recovery.

Using a notepad, Go scribbled that he’ll go ahead with his plan to vie for a seat in the IAAF board when it convenes this August in Paris, site of the World Athletics Championships.

With the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) fully backing his bid, Go, 58, has a good chance of winning one of 27 seats up for grabs in the IAAF council although there are 54 candidates expected to vie for the seats.

Earlier, IAAF vice president Dr. Helmut Digel of Germany stressed that Asia should have a special share in the powerful council and said "they would like to see people who are really serving the interest of athletics."

Go, stressing it is his obligation to serve the welfare of Philippine and Asian athletics, hopes to fit the bill.

The IAAF official believes that 100 votes are enough to ensure a win for a candidate with the crucial block consisting of South America, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the United States.

Meanwhile, Go gave no indication as to who could’ve ordered the attack on his life. With his hands, he showed visitors how the gunman approached his vehicle and fired bullets through a tinted driver’s seat window.

Police is investigating reports that the ambush was triggered by underworld links as Go has been suspected of engaging in illegal activities.