(Photo courtesy of Sports.inquirer.net)
The seventeen-year-old Michael Christian Martinez started skating at the age of eight when he went to a shopping mall here in Manila. From then on his love for skating began and he managed to learn all steps in figure skating by watching videos and by doing them by himself. After a few years, he has mastered triple jumps by his own. In 2010, he began making trips to Los Angeles for training with coaches John Nicks and Ilia Kulik. A month before the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014, he went to Moscow to undergo training under Viktor Kudryavtsev.
(Photo courtesy of Sports.inquirer.net)
The first Filipino figure skater to compete at the Olympics.
The first to represent a SouthEast Asian country in the said event.
The very first skater to step foot in the practice rink before the Sochi Olympics 2014 start.
I happened to watch his performances on Thursday and Friday (February 13 and 14) although the telecast was shown very late. I have seen his passion in doing his craft. After the well-applauded performance during Michael's short program to Romeo and Juliet which was choreographed by Phillip Mills, he landed on the 19th place with the score of 64.81 and made him qualified for the free skate round. He was able to fulfill his goal and wowed the audience by his outstanding performance as the youngest competitor. His expertise in spins and jumps as well as his gift in musicality left the cheering crowd in awe. Skating to Malaguena, Martinez glided towards the hearts of all the spectators of the Iceberg Skating Palace during his free skate routine and scored an impressive 119.44. His historic performance drew a loud applause from the audience. The first Filipino Winter Olympian gave everything he's got and fought strong until the finish. His dazzling performances and remarkable achievement made all the Filipinos proud. Moreso, Martinez' Olympic debut taught us a few lessons in life.
First
That all mothers will do everything and anything to support their children's needs and dreams.
Second
That nothing is really impossible. There are ways that lead to everything if we have the will, patience, and love for what we do.
Third
That even a chronic ailment can not hinder us in seeking any of our objectives and aspiration in life as long as we believe that we have the talents, skills, and abilities.
Fourth
That even our country lacks suitable training facilities, it should never stop any athlete to continue pursuing his desires.
Fifth
That through hard work and dedication, one can achieve success.
Sixth
That it does not matter if you win or lose in a competition, what matters is that you have managed to fight and face the possibility of being defeated.
Seventh
That Filipinos are really talented in everything that they do.
Eighth
That your opponents are also there to inspire you.
Ninth
That Filipinos are indeed tough and resilient in times of struggles and hardships.
And as for me, the most important one is
Tenth
That Filipino athletes who excel at any sports and who work hard at their craft deserve support from the government. Other than the hero's welcome...I think THEY DESERVE MORE.
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