The Philippine flag will finally fly at the Winter Olympics, thanks to young figure skater Michael Christian Martinez who earned a spot in the 2014 Winter Olympics to be held in Sochi, Russia!

The 16-year-old student from Parañaque City began skating in 2005 at a shopping mall ice rink. While he trains mainly in Manila, he does travel to California for several months a year to train with foreign coaches.

His rise to prominence began at the 2012 Crystal Skate of Romania where he won his first international title, also a first for the Philippines.

Early in 2013, Martinez finished 4th at the 2013 JGP in Latvia. He followed this up with a 5th place in his second appearance at the 2013 World Junior Championships and set a new personal best overall score of 191.64 points.

Michael then competed on the senior level at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy, the last qualifying event for the 2014 Winter Olympics. His 7th position there earned him a spot for the Philippines in men's singles – a first for our "tropical" country!

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, a couple of Fil-Ams were also winners with 19-year old John Robert Celski winning a bronze medal in the men's 1,500-meter short track race and pairs figure skater Amanda Evora placed in the top 10 with her partner Mark Ladwig.