Michael Martinez conquers Sochi with gutsy performance in Men’s Free Skating

Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines waits for his results after the men’s free skate figure skating final at the Iceberg Skating Palace at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev

MANILA, Philippines – Michael Christian Martinez may not be bringing home a medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia but the young Filipino did his country proud with his gutsy and emotion-filled performances at the Men’s Free Skating event that have captured the world’s attention.

As the more experienced and top-ranked skaters take to the rink, Martinez’s number is expected to slide further but not after briefly taking the top spot in the first batch of six in the competition aired live on television.

His spirited performance despite a fall in the free program Friday night only endeared him to the crowd and to the media covering the Olympics who, according to a TV report, have lined up to get an interview with the 17-year-old Martinez, who was the Philippines’ lone representative and the first from Southeast Asia.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Martinez finished 19th out of 24 in the medal round with Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu bagging the gold medal, Canada’s Patrick Chan and Kazakhstan’s Dennis Ten going home with the silver and bronze medals, respectively. With a report from Celest Flores, INQUIRER.net

RELATED STORIES

Sochi Olympics: Martinez ends up at 19th but gains attention of nation, world

Michael Martinez tops first 6 skaters in Sochi

PH’s Martinez qualifies to medal round of men’s figure skating in Sochi

Winter Olympics: PH’s Martinez garners 64.81 in short figure skating program