MANILA, Philippines — Olympian Michael Christian Martinez yesterday withdrew his participation from the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Bulgaria due to a nagging knee injury.
Told by his doctor and coach to heal the knee first so as not to jeopardize his bid in future competitions, Martinez, who rose to prominence following his participation in the Sochi Olympics last month, decided to skip the event.
Having finished 19th as the youngest competitor in the men’s figure skating event of the Olympics, Martinez was expected to make waves in Bulgaria.
“Michael is withdrawing from the Bulgaria competition,” said the skater’s mother, Maria Teresa Martinez in a statement posted on an SM Facebook page Saturday.
SM supports Martinez’s training and campaigns overseas.
“It’s the doctor’s and coach’s decision,” she said.
“Michael’s doctor has recommended that he withdraw from the World Junior since his knee injury has not completely healed yet.”
Bucking injuries, Martinez made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian skater to compete in the Winter Olympics.