By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA, Feb. 17 (PNA) – Despite taking 19th place in the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, a hero’s welcome awaits Michael Christian Martinez upon his return from Russia back to this city, Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi said on Monday.
In a statement, Fresnedi said that grand hero’s welcome awaits the 17-year old Martinez, an Muntinlupeño, the very first Filipino figure skater who represented the Philippines and Southeast Asia in the winter Olympics.
He caught the attention of the local and international audience because of his very entertaining and laudable performance as well as his flexibility in the ring.
“He is first and foremost Muntinlupeño and our City is proud of him. We are very privileged to have an Olympian in our midst, and young as he is, he is an inspiration to us all that indeed, dreams are still possible,” Fresnedi said
The Muntinlupa mayor also said the hero’s welcome, accompanied with motorcade, is likewise being prepared for the young Olympian.
Martinez took the 19th place in Sochi’s winter Olympics in Russia.
Martinez will also receive P100,000.00 in recognition of his accomplishment, which will be taken from the Special Activities Fund of the City Mayor 2014 Executive Budget.
A similar resolution recognizing the Muntinlupa School for Child Development (MSCD) where Martinez is studying, was also passed by the City Council in its Monday morning session, commending the school for its role in shaping Martinez into a model Muntinlupeño and Filipino.
Martinez actually held a firm grip on third place in the overall standings for several rounds before being overtaken by more experienced skaters as the competition progressed. This early, though, he is setting his sights on the next Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018.
His entry into the last round of the men’s figure skating competition, and his gallant showing as he battled fatigue and the pressure, coupled with his coming from a tropical country where snow doesn’t exist, not only caught the attention of international analysts but endeared him to the international audience even more. (PNA)