Sochi, Russia – In 2018, he will be 21; she will be 24. He is Michael Christian Martinez, lone Filipino athlete in the Sochi Winter Olympics, and the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to compete in Olympic figure skating. She is Anne Line Gzersem, first Olympic figure skater for Norway in 50 years; half Filipina. Both made their Olympic debut with impressive performances, qualifying them for the free skate finals. No one expected them to medal in Sochi, but all eyes are set for Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018.
During his short program, Martinez skated to the music of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ But obviously something, or someone, was missing. There was no Juliet. But maybe there will be in 2018.
The Adobo Chronicles learned from very reliable sources that the Martinez and Gzersem camps are engaged in serious negotiations to have the skaters compete as a pair in 2018. Their respective coaches saw a synergy of technical skill, ice presence and vibrant youth that would make their proteges a skating pair to contend with at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. But one big question — and perhaps the only question – remains: which country will the pair represent? The Philippines? Norway?
The Philippine camp argues that since both skaters have a Filipino connection, they should represent the Philippines. The Norway camp, on the other hand, says that the skaters will have a better chance representing the Scandinavian country because of its history and record with the Winter Olympics and a wealth of trainers and winter training facilities compared to the tropical Philippines.
Stay tuned!
It ‘d be better to compete both in singles. They’ve always done it in singles and suddenly shifting to pairs is a bit.. no no, even if olympjcs is in 2018 still. There’ll be so much change and they’d be in disadvantage. It’ll be hard for both of them. Stop this ridiculous idea.
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There is a POSIBILITY if they are both PAIR
i Think they LOVE each OTHER !!!! 🙂
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Is this even legit or just a “what if”? Do both sides agree about it? Side of Michael and Anne Line? 🙂
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Anne Line have a filipino blood but she is still a Norwegian Citizen. She cant represent Philippines unless she would agree to convert into a Filipino citizen.
Michael cant represent Norway of course. Unless if he lives here for many years and granted with a Norwegian citizenship.
And besides if Philippines were be able to provide one like Michael, then it is not impossible to pair him that is really from Phil.
and for sake, there are a lot of trained Norwegian citizen skaters in Norway.
No need and will never hire outsiders.;-)
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If Norway will allow it. They should compete under the flag of Norway.Anyway there are so many filipinos working and living in Norway. They can train well. If they compete under the Phil. flag they will just be dragged down. How can they skate well when there are so many alimango clinging everywhere !
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