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MANILA, Philippines – Michael Christian Martinez became a household name the moment he carried the Philippine flag at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
After an impressive figure skating stint, he receives a hero’s welcome.
Jane Bracher reports.
He has no medal from the 2014 Winter Olympics, but Filipinos proudly welcome him home as a hero.
Michael Christian Martinez is the Philippines’ lone representative at the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Competing in men’s figure skating the 17-year old made an impression on the world stage and finished in 19th place.
He’s been given lifetime skating privileges in the rinks of top mall chain SM.
Coming from a tropical country competing on Olympic ice was a dream come true.
MICHAEL MARTINEZ, OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATER: Skating and representing the Philippines at the Olympics was truly a dream come true. I am truly honored to represent our country at the Winter Olympics in Russia.
But before the success were the sacrifices.
Martinez lacked financial support.
He endured multiple injuries.
As he gears up for the 2018 Winter Games Martinez now enjoys major support from the Philippine Skating Union and businessmen for the next 4 years.
HANS SY, SM PRIME HOLDINGS INC PRESIDENT: Actually, we have been quietly supporting them. We took care of some of the expenses. All I can really say right now is SM is fully prepared to support them. We will be checking on all the other details. But definitely the support will be there.
Martinez made history as the first Southeast Asian to compete in the Winter Olympics.
He inspires Filipinos to dream big and work hard.
MARTINEZ: What I have done in Sochi is the same effort and commitment that our other athletes have done in the Summer Olympics. I am extremely happy with the hero’s welcome, but let us not forget all our other athletes (who are also) heroes. I therefore share this honor and glory to all the Filipino athletes.
Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino, mabuhay ang mga atleta! (Long live Filipinos, long live all athletes!)
Martinez not only brings attention to figure skating as a sport he also puts the country on the world skating map.
JANE BRACHER, REPORTING: Martinez started dreaming on an ice skating rink much like this one, nearly a decade ago.
This is where he trained for hours on end, without fanfare.
Now, he returns to this rink as an inspiration and a hero.
Jane Bracher, Rappler, Manila.
– Rappler.com
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