The 17year-old Winter Olympian Michael Martinez went straight to SM Mall of Asia from Airport for his homecoming and Press Conference. Everyone seemed to be so excited to see him and let him feel how proud his fellowmen are of him.
Martinez started Ice Skating at the age of 8. Skating was none of his plans. Way back 2004, Martinez and his Mother were strolling SM South mall when he gave Ice skating a try, that's the time when he felt that he finally found his calling. That triggered his desire in Skating and started joining various local competitions.
Since he started, he already garnered 194 medals and trophies from different local and international competitions. He ranked 7th placer at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany which became his way to the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014. He ranked 19th out of 24 during his performance in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
In spite the fact that he has asthma and even went through such injuries, those did not hinder him from pursuing his dreams. During the Press Conference, his mother Teresa Martinez said that a mother's support for her child plays a big role. Martinez gets his strength from his family who continuously supports him in his battle.
During the Press Conference, SM Malls management awarded Martinez the lifetime privilege in all SM Malls Skating rinks. SM Malls management said that they will continue supporting Martinez. Hans Sy, the President of SM Prime Holdings awarded Martinez with a cheque of $10,000.
Martinez homecoming is sweet but will unfortunately be cut short as he will be leaving the country on February 27 and will continue training on USA for the World Junior Figure Skating Championship in Bulgaria on March 10-16.
Get the chance to meet and greet Martinez on the following schedules:
SM Southmall - February 24 4pm
SM Mall of Asia - February 25 12nn
SM Megamall - February 25 4pm
(visit the mall’s Facebook page for full details and schedule)
thanks to Ted and Ashley for this coverage!
