Philippines, 3 other ASEAN nations carving path for tropical countries in Winter Games

The Philippines and three other Southeast Asian nations continue to carve the path for tropical countries at the Winter Olympics.

In the ongoing Beijing Winter Games, where Filipino-American alpine skier Asa Miller will see action in the coming days, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Malaysia also sent representatives in events traditionally dominated by countries where it snows.

Yohan Goutt Goncalves, a French-East Timorese, has been chasing his Olympic dream since the 2014 edition in Sochi, Russia. He will compete alongside Miller in the men's giant slalom on Sunday.

"We trained together and I think he [Miller] is a very good skier. I believe he could be faster than me but let's see on the race day," Goncalves said.

"We are still very far from a medal but what is important is that Timor Leste is represented here."

Thailand, meanwhile, has sent four athletes to the Games with Zanon Nicola (men's alpine skiing), Jaiman Mida Fah (women's alpine skiing), Mark Chanloung (cross country skiing), and his sister Karen (cross country skiing).

Alpine skiers Jeffrey Webb and Aruwin Salehhudin are also carrying the flag for Malaysia.

Miller, the only Filipino winter sports athlete who qualified for the quadrennial meet, is keeping his expectations modest but hopes to deliver a better showing after his performance in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018.

"I don't think I'm in contention to win gold, but I'm certainly in a position to improve my performance," said Miller.

"But I want to be better, improve on my previous performance and give a proud representation of the Philippines."

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News