Ice Skater Athena Roberts Dreams To Represent Philippines In the Olympics Arena

Athena Roberts, an 18-year-old world-class ice skater with Filipino and American heritage, is making waves in the skating world.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, Athena's unique family background and relentless dedication have shaped her into a promising athlete with her sights set on representing the Philippines in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Athena's mother, Sheila Calivoso Roberts, hails from Manila, Philippines, and her father, Thomas Roberts, is from Pennsylvania, USA. Their multicultural household is a blend of Filipino warmth and American values, providing a nurturing environment for Athena and her younger siblings. Sheila, an accomplished nurse, often shares stories of her Filipino roots, instilling in Athena a deep pride in her heritage.

Athena's journey began at the tender age of five when she first stepped onto an ice rink. It was love at first glide. Her parents quickly recognized her natural talent and enrolled her in professional skating classes. By the age of seven, Athena was participating in local competitions, dazzling audiences with her grace and skill.

Off the ice, Athena enjoys playing the piano and painting, which provide a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Her artistic pursuits complement her skating, as both require a keen sense of timing, rhythm, and expression.

Athena's daily routine is a testament to her commitment to the sport. She wakes up at 5 AM for a rigorous training session that includes both on-ice practice and off-ice conditioning. Her diet is carefully monitored to ensure she maintains peak physical condition, with a focus on balanced nutrition.

Despite her demanding schedule, Athena makes time for her education, pursuing online courses to stay academically engaged. Her discipline and time management are commendable, balancing the intense demands of an athlete's life with her personal interests and studies.

Athena's dream to represent the Philippines has faced significant hurdles due to the complexities of acquiring her Philippine passport. The process began when the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles encountered issues processing her paperwork, specifically related to missing documents from her mother's previous marriage and subsequent naturalization as a U.S. citizen. These complications stalled the progress and created a challenging roadblock for Athena.

Undeterred, her family redirected their efforts to the Philippine Consulate in New York. Here, Consul General Senen Mangalile and Vice Consul Paolo Mapula have shown personal interest in Athena's case. They are currently reviewing her competitive record and accomplishments to facilitate her application. This step-by-step process involves meticulous vetting, and despite the slow progress, there is optimism that Athena will receive a favorable decision from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The path to acquiring her Philippine passport has not been easy. The initial issues with documentation have been a significant hurdle, exacerbated by the bureaucratic processes and the need for additional paperwork and proof of her mother's Filipino citizenship at the time of Athena's birth. Each step forward has required persistent effort from Athena and her family, who have remained unwavering in their support and determination.

The challenges highlight the complexities often faced by dual-national athletes seeking to represent countries of their heritage. Despite the roadblocks, Athena's dedication and the support of the Filipino community have kept her spirits high.

Athena's goal to represent the Philippines in international competitions brings honor to her mother's homeland. She aims to be the first ice dancer to represent the Philippines in the Winter Olympics, a goal that requires her to secure Philippine citizenship. Despite these bureaucratic challenges, Athena remains steadfast, supported by her family and the Filipino community.

The Philippine sports community has rallied behind her, recognizing the potential impact of having a Fil-Am athlete on the global stage. Athena's journey underscores the importance of supporting and nurturing diverse talents, reflecting the nation's pride in its global diaspora.

Athena Roberts' story is one of passion, perseverance, and pride. Her journey from a young skater in North Carolina to an Olympic hopeful is inspiring, not only for aspiring athletes but for anyone striving to achieve their dreams. As she continues to break barriers and chase her goals, Athena represents the spirit of determination and the beauty of cultural heritage blending seamlessly on the ice.

Let's all cheer for Athena as she skates her way to Olympic glory, bringing the warmth and strength of the Filipino spirit to the icy arenas of the world.