Posted by ReyFort Media
Former Winter Olympian Michael Christian Martinez is returning to competitive figure skating, announcing that he will compete at the 2026 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships this November after years away from competition.
Michael shared the news in a Facebook post, admitting he never expected to make the announcement again after shifting his focus to coaching and helping younger skaters pursue their competitive goals.
“Honestly, I never thought I’d be making this announcement again. It’s been years since I last competed, and since then, life has changed a lot. I’ve been able to do other things, focus more on coaching, and help younger skaters with their own competitive journey,” he wrote.
For years, Michael said, people continued asking whether he would return to competition, even as he repeatedly answered that he probably would not.
“But one thing I kept getting asked over the years was, When are you competing again? or Are you ever coming back? And my answer was always… probably not. But somehow people kept asking, and I guess a part of me also started wondering… why not?” he wrote.
After much thought and convincing, Michael decided to give competitive skating another try. He is also hoping to return to international competition in 2027.
The comeback coincides with his approaching 30th birthday, which he marked with humor in his announcement.
“I had many options for my 30th birthday. Somehow, I chose Philippine Nationals.
They say at 30 you’re supposed to start making wiser decisions.
Anyway… I’m competing again. Good luck knees. 🫣” he posted.
Michael acknowledged that returning to competition would come with physical challenges and that he does not expect to perform exactly as he did during his Olympic years.
“I know I’m already past what most people would consider a figure skater’s prime. I’m older now, my body definitely knows I’m older (a lot back pain), and I’m not expecting things to be exactly how they were before. And that’s okay,” he wrote.
Instead of trying to recreate his previous performances, Michael said he wants to approach this chapter with fewer expectations and focus on enjoying the experience.
“This time, I really just want to enjoy competing again. No big expectations, no unnecessary pressure. I’m also keeping things simple. Not trying to recreate my Olympic days. Just training, skating, competing, and hopefully having fun doing it again,” the figure skater said.
He also hinted at personal ambitions he hopes to accomplish, although he did not disclose what they are.
“Of course, I still have a few personal goals I want to accomplish. But we’ll get to those eventually. For now, I’m just happy to be back,” Michael said.
Michael said he remains uncertain about how far his return to competition will take him.
“I honestly don’t know how far this comeback will go, and maybe that’s what makes it exciting. One competition at a time. Let’s just see what happens.
See you at Nationals,” the skater continued.
Michael represented the Philippines at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where he finished 19th, and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, where he placed 28th. He became the first Filipino figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics and the first Filipino to land a triple Axel in competition.
In recent years, Michael has focused on coaching and mentoring younger skaters. His upcoming appearance at the Philippine National Figure Skating Championships next month will mark his return to competitive skating, with a possible international comeback in 2027. (Interaksyon Sports)
Leave a Reply