Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez wrapped up his historic Winter Olympics stint on Friday by competing in the free program of the men’s competition.
The 17-year-old from Muntinlupa, the first Filipino to skate in the Olympics, had become a darling in his home country. A day after his Games debut, he was a trending topic on social media for most of the day.
After completing his routine, he expressed his gratitude to his countrymen in an interview with Patricia Bermudez-Hizon on TV5.
“Sobrang saya. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso,” was how Martinez described the response he has gotten from Filipinos.
“Thankful na continued pa rin ang prayers nila at support sa akin.”
Martinez started his routine strong before struggling about midway through. The young skating prodigy admitted that nerves had a bit to do with the missteps.
“I had the same pressure because it’s one of my hardest jumps,” he said of his second combination jump.
“I’m not very good at the combination jumps.”
Thankful for the experience, Martinez revealed that he has drawn praise from fellow skaters as well.
With one Olympics in his belt, he is looking forward to representing the Philippines once more four years from now.
“My goal is to compete again in the next Olympics,” he said.
