Inspired by Hidilyn Diaz, Winter Olympics-bound Asa Miller hopes for improved showing in Beijing

Asa Miller, the lone Philippine bet for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has Hidilyn Diaz, the country's first Olympic gold medalist, as his inspiration for his upcoming campaign.

The 21-year-old Filipino-American alpine skier shared that the weightlifter definitely boosted his morale heading to his second Games appearance, but admitted that he was tempering his expectations for himself.

"Watching Hidilyn Diaz take the first gold [for the Philippines in Tokyo] was super inspirational," said Miller in a virtual press conference on Saturday.

"While I don't have the same expectations for myself in competition, I definitely want to show my improvement. It's a huge inspiration and I'm super happy for her."

Miller will be competing in the Winter Games for a second consecutive edition now.

In his maiden appearance during the Pyeongchang Games in 2018, Miller finished 70th among 110 participants and the young skier hopes to display a better showing in his second attempt, similar to Diaz, who took three Olympic appearances before copping a silver and four before her historic gold medal last year.

"I’m very excited and very proud to show off and represent the Philippines at the Games. I’m super happy that we will have a representation at the Games," Miller added.

"I don’t have any placement expectations. I do expect myself to improve from the last Winter Games. I just really hope to be able to display my improvements over the last four years. We’ll have to see how it goes."

Miller also shared that his training and preparation have been easier as he conducted most of his practices in Utah in the United States amid the ongoing pandemic.

"The preparation hasn't been too bad. COVID-19 hasn’t been as much of a threat. It has made some limitations for travel and some other complications but overall, it’s been pretty easy," the Portland-born athlete said.

"I'm coming in far more confident now. I was 17 at the time versus this time around, I met complications and solved them rather easily and I’m more confident about my abilities. I’m just hoping to bring the best I can."

The slalom races are set from February 13 to 16 at the Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field in Yanqing, China.

—JMB, GMA News