by Wade Townsend

Ian Lariba’s condition is steadily improving, according to Ting Ledesma, President of the Philippine Table Tennis Federation. Lariba was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in May of this year.

Ledesma gave the statement while appearing on Game Time on the ABS-CBN News Channel on August 15.

According to Lariba’s doctors, the table tennis player is expected to soon undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Just a year ago, Lariba competed at the Rio Olympic Games and was Flag Bearer for the Philippines at the Opening Ceremony.

During the recent World Table Tennis Championships in Düsseldorf, athletes from around the world got behind the Olympian to show their support following her diagnosis.

The entire table tennis community continues to stand behind Lariba. Our thoughts are with her during this difficult time.