Ice skating sensation Michael Martinez pays tribute to his mother Teresa
2014 Sochi Olympic figure skating sensation Michael Christian Martinez wants to continue to represent the Philippines in the Olympic Games but doesn’t wish to burden his mother Theresa, with the task of finding the funds to help him train under top foreign coaches which is essential if he plans to continue his quest for glory for the Philippines in the Olympic Games and other major international competitions.
In fact, not so long ago, Michael revealed, rather painfully, that he may be forced to quit the sport because his mother has run out of funds for his training and travel expenses.
Martinez' mother who has done everything humanly possible to support his career told ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo “Umiiyak talaga siya ng sinabi ko sa kanya ‘yung possibility that… you know, I do not have anymore funds to help you for the next four years.”
Figure skating is an expensive sport and Michael needs to be coached by elite trainers in the United States in order to get to the next level.
With coaches in the US charging anywhere between $100 to $150 per hour, the 17 year old Olympic skater would need around $10,000 a month.
Martinez, who returned to Manila and spent some time with his mother talking to Viva Entertainment Group Chairman and CEO, showbiz czar Vic del Rosario about his interest in entering the movies in the future, was in Manila following his gold-medal finish in the Triglay trophy tournament in Slovenia.
Martinez tallied a score of 195.13 to win the gold medal in the Senior Men’s event ahead of Japan’s Keiji Tanaka who tallied 189.83.
The lanky Martinez performed to the popular “Malaguena” to top the standings in the free skate and finished with what was considered a near flawless routine, nailing all but one of his jumps to win his third gold medal for the Philippines in international figure skating competitions.
The 17 year old with a cherubic smile told us he was hoping to return to the United States where he will continue on working on his quad jumps and other skills.
In an interview with Yahoo Philippines, Martinez said the Slovenia stint was “really hard because I didn’t have any practice, just 30 minutes one day before the competition.”
He said that he was also bothered “by past injuries acting up” and although he still won a gold medal he attributed this to his “prayers as well as those of my mother that I could do perfect jumps.”
Asked what he needs to ensure that his career progresses to another level, Martinez said “I need financial support so I could pay my coaches in the US and I have to train three hours a day with a coach and practice alone for another six hours.”
Michael revealed that before he got into skating he was enamored with singing and dancing but “there was a time when I saw an ice skating rink in a shopping mall and I saw some kids doing jumps and spins and I got fascinated. I asked my Mom whether I could try it and she immediately approved and I was so happy.”
We noticed that when they spoke to each other and related to one another, Michael and his mother Theresa were so different from run-of-the- mill relationships.
Michael agreed wholeheartedly. He said “she is very supportive in everything that I do. She helps and does everything for me.”
While there are mothers who sometimes have a tendency to interfere, Theresa is noticeably different and her attitude is to help build up her son. Michael noted “she wants me to succeed.”
One of the remarkable features of Martinez is that he is always smiling “despite so many problems besides the finances as well as the injuries.”
The good looking youngster has his eyes set on the movies but “only after another Olympics.” He then glanced at his Monm and when we remarked about it, he laughingly said “I’ll have to negotiate about it” with her.
He said “I just love to perform to the audience , especially dancing. I love to dance with the audience.”
Referring to the philosophy of Manny Pacquiao which is to entertain the fans, Michael said “that’s the best. To entertain the audience.”
Martinez will compete in a tournament in Dubai on May 5 and plans to train in Manila and promised “I’ll try my best.”
In winding up our interview Michael Martinez expressed his love and admiration for his mother Theresa and said “I am thankful to God who gave me a wonderful and perfect mother.”
