MARTINEZ PLACES 19TH BUT CREATES SENSATION IN SOCHI
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Feb 2014
Filipino skater Michael Christian Martinez finished 19th out of 24 skaters at the men's figure skating at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Martinez made history as the first to compete in Olympic figure skating for the Philippines and Southeast Asia when he performed in Sochi, earning a total score of 184.25 points.
Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu won the gold medal, Canada's Patrick Chan garnered the silver, and Kazakhstan's Denis Ten got the bronze.
Martinez, skating to the tune of Malaguena, was the third skater to show his talent from among the 24 participants in the free program event, garnering a score of 119.44 points during Friday's competition. The youngest male skater at 17-years-old, he executed well with his triple axels, triple double toes, double flip, and lot more action. However, he slipped at one instant and landed with his right hand after doing a triple loop.
But for the millions of Filipino fans watching on television as well as for other foreigners, they were impressed of the young Filipino skater's act, especially coming from a tropical country who has not seen snow.
"For me, he's getting stronger and maybe running away a little bit but he's giving it everything that he's got and he's fighting right to the finish," said a female sportscaster. "A lot to be proud of, he really did the program well he had a good flow across the ice, the speed was there," said a male commentator.
Martinez concluded his ice dance with a Biellmann Spin, an unusual maneuver for male figure skaters and a "performance to be proud of," commented the TV announcers.
During the men's figure skating short program last Thursday, Martinez scored 64.81 points performing to the tune of "Romeo and Juliet," placing also 19th, which qualified him for the free program, the medal round of the men?s figure skating event.
According to the website of the XXII Winter Olympic Games, the young asthmatic was cut in the thigh by a skate blade in 2009, tore two ligaments in his ankle in 2011, tore the medial collateral ligament in his knee in 2012, and fractured his ankle last year. These injuries bothered his practices but amidst all the trials, he was there competing in Sochi.
For his efforts, Martinez will receive a bonus of $10,000 courtesy of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan through the MVP Sports Foundation, which also contributed much to his travel to the Games.
After the short program debut in the Olympics, Pangilinan expressed his appreciation for Martinez. ?What a brave kid, gave it all tonight. Thank you to him and his parents. Let?s continue supporting him,? said Pangilinan.
Martinez has set his goal of qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Chot Reyes, MVPSF Executive Director, said they will continue supporting Martinez? training.
?As he matures, he?ll mature into a full performer,? said the lady figure skating commentator.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
T-Wolves Mangle Denver 115-70, Force Game Seven in West Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete Motivated to Claim Four-Division World Title Glory in San Diego
Fri, 17 May 2024DON KING PROMOTIONS: “FISTS OF FURY” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 17 May 2024Kevin Brown vs Idalberto Umara Headlines Boxlab Promotions Card in Orlando, FL, May 31
Fri, 17 May 2024Press Conference: Fury & Usyk Set Serious Tone Two Days From Undisputed Showdown
Fri, 17 May 2024Zanfer Wins Purse Bid for Apolinario-Ayala IBF Fight
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024Noynay loses to Sasaki by TKO in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 May 2024Boston Returns to East Finals; Dallas A Win Away for the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 16 May 2024Arca Continues to Pursue Coveted IM Norm in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 May 2024Martin joins Pinoy invasion
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 16 May 2024Media Workout: Fury & Usyk T-3 Days From Making Heavyweight History
Thu, 16 May 2024ESPN and Top Rank Present DAZN on ESPN+ PPV Event: Undisputed Heavyweight Title Showdown Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Thu, 16 May 2024FIERRO AND RIVERA LAND TITLE FIGHTS IN PUERTO RICO
Thu, 16 May 2024Tayden Beltran vs Cesar Villarraga Headlines CBN Promotions June 22 Show
Thu, 16 May 2024Puerto Rican National Champion Carlos De León Castro Signs with Boxlab Promotions
Thu, 16 May 2024