Off the ice – Getting to know Michael Christian Martinez

MANILA, Philippines – You know the amount of pride he has brought to the Philippines. You know how well he glides and dances across the ice. You know all the victories and success he’s achieved in international competitions.

But how much do you really know about Michael Christian Martinez?

The 18-year-old trains for 8 hours a day, 6 times a week, but how does he like to spend his rare free time? What are his plans for the future? Is a retirement from the sport that’s brought him international success coming soon? What missions does he have left to achieve?

(WATCH: Michael Martinez puts on figure skating exhibition)

Who is Michael Christian Martinez away from the bright lights and the icy surface that he shatters with every spin, lunge, and jump?

Find out below, as Rappler goes one-on-one with the two-time Triglav Trophy champion:

 

 

Rappler: You’ve had quite a number of injuries throughout your career, so mentally how are you able to come back from those injuries and continue skating despite the fear the same injuries might happen again?

Michael Christian Martinez: In California I usually have a chiropractor with me for 3 times a week to be able to prevent the injuries.

 

Rappler: Was there ever a time after one or two specific injuries where you doubted yourself or thought, ‘Should I continue doing this considering all the pain it brings?’ Or were you always motivated? 

Martinez: I’m always motivated to keep going kasi when I set my goals, I won’t back out. Minsan, nakakalungkot lang kasi yung mga dati kong nagagawa hindi ko na nagagawa ngayon because of my back injuries.

(Sometimes, it’s sad because I can no longer do what I used to do.)

 

Rappler: Until what age do you foresee yourself skating – like performing internationally in a competitive level? 

Martinez: Maybe after [the] Southeast Asian Games that will be held here (possibly in 2019).

 

Rappler: You want to retire after the Southeast Asian Games? 

Martinez: I hope so.

 

Rappler: But you’d be 23 by that time, right? Why would you want to retire by 23?

Martinez: [Because of] all the pain so I’m really working hard para after the Olympics, after the Southeast Asian Games here, no regrets.

 

R: But after you do stop skating, have you already thought about what future you want to have? 

Martinez: I’ll continue studying, go to college, take up physical therapy in the US, sports medicine, and be able to stay there, and to be able to do coaching or choreography.

 

Rappler: Any university that you have in mind, like a dream school? 

Martinez: (laughs) Not yet. Wala pa.

 

Rappler: Everyone knows you as the champion skater, someone who brings pride to the Philippines, but as a person – as a normal 18-year-old boy, or growing man, what kind of an 18-year-old kid are you? What do you like to do? What do you do in your spare time? 

Martinez: If I’m in California I usually go to the beach just to relax, then watch movies. I just play my PS4. (laughs)

 

Rappler: Any favorite games? 

Martinez: Second son, or the Witcher 3.

 

Rappler: Any other hobbies besides skating? 

Martinez: Drawing.

 

Rappler: So art? 

Martinez: Yeah, pretty much.

 

Rappler: Anything else, like any other sport you like to play? 

Martinez: Wala pa, none so far.

 

Rappler: Let’s say 5 or 7 years down the line, you’ll probably be done with skating, where do you see yourself? What do you see yourself doing?

Martinez: I’ll be coaching and I’ll be helping. I’ll be going back here to the Philippines and help Filipino athletes and share what I’ve learned in my experiences.

 

Rappler: Going back to your skating, when people put your name synonymous with bringing pride and glory to the Philippines, how does that make you feel?

Martinez: I’m just really happy and very proud I was able to bring pride to the Philippines. It’s just – I don’t know how you say it – but it’s just the feeling.

 

Rappler: How much does it help you knowing that you have an entire nation, an entire country behind your back, supporting you every time you go to a competition abroad?

Martinez: It actually gives me a boost to be able to do better in my competitions, knowing that they’re just there to support me. 

– Rappler.com