Performing to Ernesto Lacuona's Malaguena, Filipino Michael Christian Martinez skated his heart out during the finals (free skating) of the men's figure skating event of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. Michael made history as the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to ever enter the medal rounds of the winter games.
Garnering a combined score of 184.25 from the short and free skating programs of the figure skating event, the 17-year-old Martinez ranked 19th (same rank in the short program) among the 24 finalists. He may not have won a medal but his determination and spirit are more than enough for him to be hailed as one of the country's pride today.
According to reports, Michael Martinez is tagged as 'darling of the press' in Russia with international media craving to interview him, curious of how he started and how he trained despite being in a tropical country.
In the men's figure skating event, Michael's idols Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Patrick Chan of Canada (who became close to the Pinoy during their training) bagged gold and silver, respectively. Both maintained their ranks from the short program. The bronze medal was snatched by Kazakhstan's Denis Ten, who only ranked 9th during the short program.
Michael Martinez revealed that he will continue to skate and will again try to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
With Michael's experience in his Olympic debut, he will surely get even better come the next winter games. Congratulations Michael! Makes us proud once more.
Michael Martinez revealed that he will continue to skate and will again try to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
With Michael's experience in his Olympic debut, he will surely get even better come the next winter games. Congratulations Michael! Makes us proud once more.
