Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines competes in the men’s short program figure skating competition at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
MANILA, Philippines—Michael Christian Martinez, the Philippines’ first Winter Olympian in more than two decades, performed to the tune of Romeo and Juliet by Arthur Fiedler in men’s figure skating short program Thursday (Manila time).
He garnered a score of 64.81 (33.31 technical, 31.50 component) to qualify for the free skate program along with 23 others. He was fifth on the start list, and finished 19th after all 30 figure skaters have performed.
As his score was being announced, the homegrown figure skater flashed a white jacket emblazoned with the word “Philippines.”
The 17-year-old Martinez, who hails from Muntinlupa, is the first figure skater to represent the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The Top 24 in the short skate will qualify to the free skate program slated on Friday which will determine the podium finishers.
RELATED STORIES
PH’s Martinez qualifies to medal round of men’s figure skating
From mall ice rink to Winter Olympics: PH’s Martinez proud of achievement