Filipinos had a reason to stay up late Thursday and Friday night last week, and it is not because of Valentine’s Day. Michael Christian Martinez made the country proud with his performance in the men’s singles figure skating event at the 2014 Sochi Olympics where he finished 19th overall after incurring a total score of 184.25
Image from ph.sports.yahoo.com | Associated Press/Ivan Sekretarev
Martinez, the first Southeast Asian to compete in figure skating at the Olympics, had his debut in front of an enthusiastic crowd who applauded him for his effort in the short program where he tallied 64.81 points, which was enough for him to qualify for the medal round. Even though he had one fall, he managed to score 119.44 points as he performed to the tune of “Malaguena” in the free skating event.
The 17-year old is currently ranked 30th in the world. With his achievement, he is expected to receive a windfall as he set his sights at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Upon his return to the country, Martinez will receive cash rewards courtesy of the MVP Sports Foundation and the Philippine government with more to follow eventually.
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