Michael Christian Martinez Sochi Olympics Performance Makes History, Impresses World Audience; 17-Year-Old Filipino Skater Sets Sight On Winter Olympics 2018
Michael Christian Martinez’s Sochi Olympics performance on Friday didn’t earn him any medals. But the 17-year-old figure skater from the Philippines has made history as the first South East Asian figure skater participating in a Winter Olympics. His performance was lauded for a Winter sportsman hailing from a country that doesn’t even have snow.
The lone represenative of the Philippines to the event, The Philippine Daily Inquirer said that the “young Filipino did his country proud with his gutsy and emotion-filled performances at the Men’s Free Skating event that have captured the world’s attention.”
Despite finishing 19 out of 24, the teenager who first discovered skating in a mall rink in his home country, has captured the attention of the world. He now intends to train further with the goal of making it to the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Looking at his official Facebook Page which garnered tens of thousands of fans in a couple of days, Michael has received an outpouring of support from his countrymen. The official residence of his country’s president, Malacanang, says that he should expect commensurate support from the government and private for his performance in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The young Olympian is expected to receive a $10,000 bonus from Philippine business tycoon and sports patron, Manny V. Pangilinan.
According to The Inquirer, Filipinos weren’t the only ones enamored with Michael’s performance. Non-Filipino media covering the event has recounted the inspiring story of the figure skater: a kid who started in a mall ice skating rink in the humid Manila and ended up in the medal round in the Olympics.
His story, including his family mortgaging their house to provide training for Michael and cover expenses to the event, has been carried by major news outfits all over the world.
The Inquirer noted that getting sustained financial support for his build-up until the 2018 Winter games doesn’t seem like a far-fetched idea, thanks to the attention he has received and the impressive performance he has displayed.
