Martinez sets sights on 2018

With roughly four years to go before the next Winter Olympics, Michael Christian Martinez is already gearing up for a much better output in his sport’s biggest stage.

“I’m looking forward to it and the only way to accomplish bigger things is to start training early,” he added.

The 2018 Winter Olympics will be hosted by Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The 17-year-old catapulted into instant fame when he became the first figure skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for the Winter Games.

Martinez, who grew up in Muntinlupa City, placed 19th in the free stake of the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia, last February and is now ranked 27th in the world.

“People look up to me so I have to do better. The popularity has given me the confidence to get a medal in the next Olympics,” said Martinez.

Tess Martinez, Michael’s mother, said the skating season begins in August. By that time, they expect Michael to open training camp in the United States and at the same time join a series of international competitions.

Martinez, who placed fifth in the 2013 junior world championships, enjoys the full backing of the Philippine Skating Union under the Sy family of SM Prime Holdings.

Aside from the ongoing support of SM, the MVP Sports Foundation pitched in $10,000.