Philippine Skater Michael Christian Martinez qualifies for 2014 Winter Olympics
For the first time, Philippines will be represented in the figure skating event in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The 16-year-old figure skater Michael Christian Martinez is now the first Filipino ever to qualify for the Winter Olympics. He recently secured a spot in the final qualifying round for the 2014 Sochi Games last September 28 in Oberstdorf, Germany with a total of 189.46 points.
Update, February 13, 2014: Michael Martinez advances to the next round.
The 16-year-old Martinez, who hails from Muntinlupa, finished in seventh place in the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany. The young and athletic figure skater is the first Filipino to perform a triple Axel in a competition, according to his International Skating Union (ISU) biography. Michael Martinez started skating competitively in 2008. (ABS-CBN news).
The Amazing Performance of Michael Christian Martinez
The Philippine skater caught the attention of the judges with his successful attempt of a triple axel. Martinez showed his flexibility inside the skating rink. He made a lovely triple loops and graceful flying spins.
Right after the performance of Martinez, one of the commentators said that Michael was very flexible and had a great balance. He added that Michael Christian has great movements and "has immense potentials!"
"Wow! wasn't that fascinating? It wasn't a routine that he dreamed of putting down there, but there's so much there that show that this guy has got immense potential. He could be a future star," the commentator said.
Update, February 13, 2014: Michael Martinez advances to the next round.
Here's the video of the first pinoy figure skater to represent Philippines in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially the XXII Olympic Winter Games, or the 22nd Winter Olympics, are scheduled to take place 7 to 23 February 2014, in Sochi, Russia (Wikipedia).