Michael Christian Martinez and his mother have gone to the ends
of the Earth to gather funds for his ice skating hobby where his talent goes
international.
Ever since he
was a young boy, Michael Martinez has had a passion for ice skating. Martinez,
as frail as he was, still took up ice skating lessons at the SM skating rinks where his mother found
promise in his abilities and supported him fully through thick and thin. The
result: Martinez gathering over 180 medals at countries all over the world at
the age of 13.
Since
2010 both Martinez and his mom have gone back and forth from the Philippines to
the U.S. in order for Martinez to receive proper training from international
coaches like Ilia Kulic and John Nicks.
Their
sacrifices to the travel and expenses were worth it as Martinez won two senior
international competitions which included the 2012 Crystal Skate in Romania.
The competition where he placed seventh was the 2013 Nebelhorn Tournament in Germany
which qualified him to participate in the 2014
Winter Olympics.
Although the earnings from
their family agri-business were available, it wasn’t enough to finance all of
Martinez’ trainings, lodging, and other expenses during international
competitions.
A blessing to their financial
needs, Martinez received financial help from the Philippines Skating Union, SM,
the Metro Ice Skating Club, and some
of his friends. Meanwhile the Philippines
Olympic Committee also helped out with his training fees while a zumba club in the U.S. even organized a
fund-raising event to help fund Martinez.
"Nung May, nagbigay ang
Shoemart ng P1 million. 'Yung Philippine Olympic Committee, P250,000, and
P500,000 'yung sa [Philippine] Skating Federation," said Martinez's mom,
Theresa.
Now, at the
age of 17, Martinez is now to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi,
Russia. A dream come true for Martinez and the best part is he is the first
Filipino from Southeast Asia to qualify for the figure skating competition in
the Olympics.
Martinez proudly showed his Pinoy Pride as he
carried all his excitement and happiness carrying the Philippine flag at the
Olympic Game’s opening ceremonies over the weekend.
"Sobrang saya. I feel like a champion.
I'm so happy and proud na I'll be competing in the Olympics," Martinez
described his emotion.
Out of the 30 competitors in the men’s figure
skating competition, Martinez is the youngest and the pressure is on as he has
to finish among the Top 24 to continue on to the finals. However, Martinez is
pretty confident this time as he quotes how his spins are fine, but his jumps
may need a little more work but the ice at the venue is perfectly soft.
"I think maganda po ang
chances natin dito... 'yung ice po natin dito malambot po siya so pag tumalon
po ako dito maganda ang spring sa talon ko," Martinez said.
"[Ini-improve ko] 'yung
choreography at mga jumps ko... spins are okay na po kasi doon po ako nakilala.
Sa talon ko na lang po, kailangan i-perfect ang technique," he added.
Martinez
stated that his full focus at the moment is on his final practices because the
judges are speculative and watchful during the pre-judging phase.
Although much support has been
shown from all around the world, more funds to prepare for the Winter Olympics were needed, Martinez
and his mom were forced to mortgage their house in Muntinlupa.
"Kasi kailangan n'yang
mag-train... eh mahal kasi ang training sa US. 'Yung isang coach nya charges a
$150 an hour. His other coaches charge $130 an hour, 'yung isa charges $100.
The ice time is about $96 per hour. He stays on the ice six hours a day,"
said Mrs. Martinez.
"If he's on the ice six
hours a day, that's $96 per hour, so you're talking something like $500 to $600
a day." She added.
As part of more preparations,
Martinez and his mother flew to Russia last January.
"Sa lahat ng competitions
po nagdadasal ako. Dito sana pinag-pray ko lang po na sa Kanya muna ang mga
worries ko, sa Kanya muna ang mga kaba ko. Ipine-pray ko na sana maging
consistent ako," he said.
To begin tonight, this Thursday at 11pm Manila time, the
preliminary competitions will be starting for the men’s figure skating
competition where Martinez will give his all for his dreams and for his
country.
Posted on Michael Christian Martinez's Official Facebook Page was the schedule and list of the contestants for tonight. Don't miss out on Martinez's performance tonight at 11pm!
Full of prayers and hope,
Martinez and his mother have belief and faith that he will do well and make his
country proud.
Let’s keep sending him prayers so that his dream will come true!
Post your
support below!