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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez finished 19th at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics men’s figure skating finals on Saturday morning (Manila time).
The lone Filipino Winter Olympian Martinez, 17, garnered 119.44 points in his final free skate routine for a two-day total of 184.25. Martinez skated third and held an early lead after six performances.
Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan won the gold medal with a score of 280.09, while Patrick Chan of Canada won silver. Kazakhstan’s Denis Ten, who finished ninth after the short program, moved up to third place to earn bronze honors.
(READ: All praises for gracious Martinez after historic Winter Olympics stint)
Martinez of Parañaque performed to the tune of “Malagueña” of Ernesto Lecuona which lasted for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds, drawing applause once again from the crowd in attendance.
Martinez, who also ranked 19th after Thursday’s short program, had a pristine start in the finale.
“That triple axel went up like a rocket. Super start,” exclaimed one of the commentators.
(IN PHOTOS: Filipino Winter Olympian’s free skate routine)
He did have some anxious moments, being deducted a point after a fall, but he fought hard through fatigue to finish strongly.
“He’s giving everything that he’s got and he’s fighting right to the finish,” said another commentator.
“A lot to be proud of. He looked very, very impressive indeed,” capped the event commentators assessment after Martinez ended a phenomenal performance.
Martinez humbled by support, seeks bright future
Right after Martinez’s dazzling performance in the finale, the Olympian said he was in awe of the rabid support he has been receiving while competing in Sochi.
“Sobrang saya. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso,” he said in a television interview. (I’m so delighted; the support is very heart-warming)
Martinez, who already made history by barging into the finals, is also becoming the media darling in the event with several interviews from international media outlets.
He admitted there was some pressure as he did such a difficult routine, but it won’t stop him from his goal of reaching the 2018 Winter Olympics as well.
“I had pressure. It was one of my hardest jumps,” he said.
“My goal is to qualify and compete again in the next Winter Olympics.”
Martinez has still made history as the first Southeast Asian skater to perform at the Winter Olympics. – Rappler.com
READ OTHER STORIES ON MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ
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