What if I am Michael Christian Martinez’ mom? Will I support him too?

Our sole representative to Winter Olympics Michael Christian Martinez will be competing with other top figure skaters at Sochi, Russia.

Thirty skaters are set to compete in the men’s short program round on Feb. 13, after which only the top 24 skaters of the first round will move on to the final free skate competition on Feb. 14.

Competitors include three-time world champion Patrick Chan of Canada and the Russian skating icon, Evgeny Plushenko. Per results of the International Skating Union, Martinez at present ranks fifth in the world at junior level and 29th at senior Level.

There are only 3 or 2 (I think) skating rinks in the Philippines right now.  One is at the SM Southmall where Michael was discovered and another one is at SM Mall of Asia (I am not sure if the one at SM Megamall is already open).  For Michael to be able to qualify in the Olympics was a surprise and yet something to be proud of.

According to an article written by Raffler, Michael’s mom Maria Teresa Martinez have mortgaged their home to buy their tickets to Sochi.  It was touching, and I know I will do the same thing for my son.

“My house is mortgaged. It’s a crazy investment,” said Maria Teresa Martinez.”I don’t even think anyone at the president’s office knows there’s a Filipino skating in the Olympics.”

I can feel the agony of a parent who wants to fulfill the dream of their child, but due to financial difficulties, doing it is so hard to do.  It’s a good thing that Michael’s mom did not give up and even with their financial difficulties, she is still doing her best to make Michael’s dream into a reality.

She said that it will cost them approximately half-a-million pesos per competition. They need to pay for the airfare and hotel of the coaches.  And Michael competed 5 times last year 2013 (Imagine the cost of that!)

“One of his coaches in the US charges $100 an hour, he has another Olympic coach that charges $150 an hour, and a choreographer that charges $130.” She said that adding ice time, the daily cost of training could easily amount to $500-600.

I was glad to know that some private sectors have helped Michael with his training and needed equipment to compete.  Thanks to SM who gave 1 Million pesos for his participation at the Winter Olympics.

Thank You Michael for representing the Philippines.  Thank You to your mom who supported and did not give up on you.  May you bring home the bacon 🙂 Good luck and God Bless You!

To all the parents out there, please let this story be an example to all of us.  May we do our best to help our kids reach their dreams and push them to get what they want in the future. May financial difficulties be not a hindrance for this dream not to come true.