The lone Philippine representative in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Michael Christian Martinez hopes to reach the Final 24 of the Figure Skating competition. The participation of the 17-year-old Olympian is already an achievement and a dream come true for him.
Photo Credit: Michael Martinez Facebook Page
Michael Martinez is the first ever Filipino and Southeast Asian to qualify in the figure skating competition of the Winter Olympics, he admitted that he is both proud and excited when he carried the Philippine flag at the Games opening ceremonies over the weekend.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, the lone athlete from the Tropical island of the Philippines marveled at the quality of the ice sheet in the venue in which he will showcase his skill as a figure skater.
Right now Michael Martinez full focus is on his final practices especially after he learned that the judges are watching for the pre-judging phase. He was quoted as saying “Sobrang saya I feel like a champion. I’m so happy and proud na I’ll be competing in the Olympics,” he said.
Although the Filipino athlete is considered as the youngest among the 30 contestants who will be competing in the men’s figure skating, he must finish among the Top 24 to advance to the finals of the competition.
Michael Christian Martinez also narrated that it is not an easy road for him before he qualified for the Olympics because he just learned skating lessons at SM Skating rinks, one of her corporate sponsors that funded his practice and international competition stints. He is really grateful with the Filipino fans support to him especially to his mother and of course SM, but expressed dismay about the Philippine government who is not supporting him financially.
Michael Martinez got the backing from SM Malls, the Metro Ice Skating Club, the Philippine Skating Union and some of his friends. During his training in the United States her mother forced to mortgage their house in Muntinlupa. Aside from the hard work and determination, Michael Martinez turned to prayers for added strength and motivation.