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| Photo credits: AP/Ivan Sekretarev |
The Philippines has earned its place in world news once again. This time its not about the rebels, the insurgents, the dirty politics. Its about a 17 year old boy, Michael Christian Martinez - our very first figure skater who wowed the judges in the #2014WinterOlympics in Sochi, Russia.
Oh yes, you read it right. A figure skater from a country without snow! Southeast Asia's very first!
This young man, Michael learned ice skating by practicing in a mall ice skating rink. He came from a middle class family, and paying for use of the ice skating rink is considered a luxury. Nevertheless, his parents found ways to support him in achieving his dream and they have never looked back since then.
Michael is an inspiration to Filipinos. At his young age, he showed his countrymen that nothing is impossible. He showed us how to focus on our dreams and how to work hard for it. Failures are strategically occurring "road bumps" designed to make us plan, rethink our options, and carry on.
He may not have brought home an Olympic Medal this time, however, to be able to finish 19th out of 24 competitors is an achievement in itself.
Michael Christian Martinez. 17 years old. Proudly Filipino.
Sharing with you a video of one of his performances.
Video credits: HerculeanBreed
http://www.youtube.com/user/HerculeanBreed
Making it to the Olympics is a HUGE accomplishment! Bravo to him!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing accomplishment! He and his family should be very proud!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing feat!! ANd only 17 years old??? He is so fluid on the ice!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! It's great to see young athletes representing their countries well! He should definitely be proud of himself!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered where he actually practices! Just to be in the Olympics is a great accomplishment! That's one in 24 around the world!
ReplyDeleteHis story is a great example of why I am so hooked on the Olympics. Just being at the games is such a win. His parents inspire me as a mom, to help my children pursue their dreams. You just never know where they will end up.
ReplyDeleteWow that is amazing for him to have accomplished this at such young age.
ReplyDeleteWow, he sure is amazing! I wish I could skate at all!
ReplyDeleteNot bad for a young boy:) If only i could do something like that:)
ReplyDeleteFigure skating is such a hard thing to do and so expensive. I hope that our government can find time to support the sports so that we can put more participants during these events.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed by how good he is considering he only took lessons from a skating rink back in the Philippines. His technical skills in skating is remarkable, as if he has been doing it at an early age. I hope the Philippine government will support him in his skating career as he represented the country. It is fitting to acknowledge such talent and boost it.
ReplyDeleteHe is really an inspiration to all Filipinos. He got talent to show to the world.
ReplyDeleteThat's only the beginning for him. I hope that he would get all the financial support that he needs to continue on.
ReplyDeleteMichael Martinez is truly admirable! I hope the government supports him.
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