Martinez on Sochi stint: ‘We made history’

MANILA, Philippines – Homecoming is more than sweet for Michael Christian Martinez, who came home from Sochi, Russia, after competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Though he finished 19th place in the figure skating competition, for him it already felt like he already won the gold medal with the overwhelming reception from his Filipino supporters.

For Martinez, he never really expected that he will gain celebrity status once he got home and he was even greeted by roaring fans who want to get a glimpse of him.

“I was just expecting a few people, interviews, and a small press conference. I’m just so happy to see all of them. Nakakaiyak,” said Martinez

The 17-year-old Olympian just finished a three-day mall tour at selected SM shopping centers. There, he performed in front of his newly founded fans. For him, the support meant a lot as he leaves again to train for his next competition at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 10-16.

 â€œI gained more confidence. I can see that a lot are supporting and praying for me and I’m getting more confident,” he said

It has been a long journey for Martinez and he then reflected on how it all started.

 â€œI started when I was eight years old. My mom and I went to a shopping mall in Las Pinas. I just saw the ice skating rink there and the skaters doing jumps and spins. I got fascinated by it. When I first stepped on the ice, I started to love the sport already.”

Nine years later, he would then be recognized as the first Filipino in 22 years to compete in the Winter Olympics. For him, carrying the flag of the Philippines during the parade of athletes was most memorable part of his trip.

“I feel so very proud that I’m marching there as the flag bearer. I finally made everyone and my mother proud. We’ve made history.”

For reaching his dream, he credited his sponsors who gave him all the trust. It would not have been possible if it wasn’t for his mother, Teresa, who exerted so much effort in supporting his son.

“I don’t know if I can do it (without the sponsors) because my mother cannot support me anymore. My mother said that I just had to focus on figure skating and she will do the rest,” he added.

Martinez is eyeing the next winter Olympics in 2018 in PyeongChang, South Korea, and has already laid out his training plan.

“For the four years before the Olympics, I plan to study a dance course so it would be easier. After (2018) Olympics, I plan to pay myself and take up (Sports) medicine,” he shared.

Right now, Martinez has gained not just financial support from the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation and the SM Foundation that amounts to $10,000 USD, but he also gained the following of many. In that, his mother always gave him advice that he will carry on in the next chapter of his life.

On what his mother’s advice, Martinez said, “Always pray to God and trust yourself.  Just do your best and work so hard so at the end, it’s worth it.”

In return, Martinez never fails to be grateful to his mother’s support: “Thank you, ma sa lahat ng supporta mo. Thank you sa pagmahal mo sa akin. I cannot ask for anything else.”

Upon saying that, Martinez saw his mother trying to wipe of the tears in her eyes. Michael then stood up just to give his mother a hug.

“I’m really thankful that God gave me my mother,” he ended.