POC eyes Manny's nutrition expert

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee is looking for experts who can handle the nutrition program for the Filipino athletes starting off with the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou in November.

And POC president Jose Cojuangco is looking at those handling Manny Pacquiao’s nutrition.

“I will try to get in touch with Manny Pacquiao. Maybe the people who are helping him can recommend somebody to help us with our nutrition program,” Cojuangco said yesterday.

Cojuangco, for the ninth time, stressed the importance of nutrition in preparing the athletes for battle. He said finding and implementing a good program will definitely help the athletes.

“I’ve been saying this all along. We need a good nutrition program for our athletes who should be fed the proper food depending on their needs. It’s really important,” said the POC president.

If it would come from Pacquiao’s group, then it’s Teri Tom the POC should look for.

Born in San Francisco, and graduated summa cum laude from UCLA, Tom has a master’s degree in nutritional science, and a registered dietician specializing in sports nutrition. She currently works for some posh sports clubs in Los Angeles.

Tom has been in charge of Pacquiao’s nutrition since the rundown to the Oscar dela Hoya fight in December of 2008. And so far, she’s helped a lot as Pacquiao conquered one division after another.

She is the first female Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (Bruce’ Lee’s art) instructor certified by Ted Wong, the martial arts guru, and Lee’s former sparring partner and close friend.

Alex Ariza, a Colombian strength and conditioning expert, makes sure that Pacquiao follows the program drawn up by Tom, and said he’s willing to lend a hand in helping the Filipino athletes.

“Teri Tom has been with us since the Oscar fight. She was doing Manny’s body composition since. How extensive is her role? Very extensive since the Oscar fight. She ran everything that we do. And she gave us the base of everything I was following,” said Ariza.