Michael Martinez wins gold in Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition

Competing for the first time after his stint in the Winter Olympics as the sole Philippine participant, Michael Martinez won a gold medal in the Senior Men’s Division in the Triglav trophy ice skating tournament in Jessenice, Slovenia.

The 17-year old figure skater from Muntinlupa City was given a 195.13 score, besting Japan’s Keiji Tanaka (189.83) and Ryuju Hino (183.06), who took second and third place, respectively.
 

“I thank God for this blessing… another gold medal in senior event. It was actually difficult for all of us because the 30 minutes practice sessions were scheduled a day before, and no more practices during the competition days. I'm very happy I made it to first place,” Martinez said in his official Facebook page.

Performing to “Malaguena,” Martinez topped the standings in the free skate and finished with a near flawless routine, nailing all but one of his jumps to seal his third gold for the country in world figure skating.

Martinez, who is hoping to make a return trip to the Olympics in the 2018 South Korea Games, will return to the Philippines on April 20. - Rhoel V. Fernandez, SPIN