After a 22-year absence, the Philippines will be represented by figure skater Michael Christian Martinez from Muntinlupa. The 17-year old Michael is the first homegrown Filipino figure skater competing in The Winter Olympics. Initially, he did not expect to qualify in this year’s Olympic Games but he and his mother took the risk of competing this year. He is looking to qualify and finish in the top 24 in the oldest sport in The Winter Olympics.
Filipino-foreigners will also be making a mark in The Winter Olympics this year. JR Celski is competing in the short-track speed skating for the United States. He is looking for a gold medal finish this year after capturing two bronze medals at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Celski, who is born to a Filipino mother and Polish American father, is considered the face of the US team. His return to this year’s Winter Olympics is a story of triumph as he suffered an injury months before Vancouver 2010. He participated in the last Winter Olympics and won two bronze medals.
Another Filipino to make his mark is Gilmore Junio, a long track speed skater representing Canada. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta to Filipino parents who immigrated to Canada, Junio is considered ‘the fastest Filipino on ice’. According to a Canadian news article, Junio is proud of his Filipino heritage even though many may not know and understand what his sport is in the Philippines. Although he had no relatives who were hit by Typhoon Yolanda, he expressed his thoughts and prayers for those devastated by the calamity. He hopes that his Olympic gold will inspire Filipinos to rise above the hardships they are now going through.
Catch them and all the exciting events of the XXII Olympic Winter Games starting February 8 on TV5, the Philippine Olympic Network. Sochi 2014 will also be brought to your homes and mobile devices with the help of PLDT Home Fibr, Smart and CignalTV.
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