The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The skating gods continued to smile on Audrey Mikheila Martinez of SM Megamall in the recently concluded 2025 Skating Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink.
Martinez, who dreams of representing the country in the Olympics, sustained her winning form as she bagged 13 gold and three silver medals in different events.
“I’m very happy to have won 13 gold medals because last year I only won three. I’ve improved a lot, but I know I still need to improve even more,” said the 10-year-old Martinez, who is an incoming Grade 6 student at College of San Benildo-Rizal.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect to win 13 gold medals. A few more gold medals than the three I won last year, but not 13 golds,” added Martinez, who thanked her parents for their all-out support to her dream of becoming an Olympian.
“As an athlete, that’s really my dream. I want to represent our country in the Olympics someday.”
Actually, Martinez won six gold medals on the first day of the competition.
She added five more on the second day and two more on the final day.
On the second day of the competition, Martinez claimed victory in Freestyle 2 (Female 10) as she defeated Tanaira Kohli and Saphira Grandine Villacorte.
She also won the Light Entertainment Spotlight FS 2 (Female 10–11) category over Naomi Grace Altoveros.
She followed it up with another win in the Jump Fiesta FS2 (Female 10–11), once again besting Altoveros and Kohli.
In the Spin Master Bronze (Female 10), Martinez secured the gold by defeating Sandy Bridgette Piano and Ibarra Annette Owens. She added another gold in the Jump and Spin Bronze (Female 8–12), teaming up with Piano.
The third day saw Martinez take the gold in Artistic FS 2 and Drama Spotlight FS 2, bringing her total to 13 gold medals.
“Nakakatuwa kasi first time ni Audrey sumali under the FS2 category. Noong June 23, sakto isang taon pa lang siya sa ice skating — at three and a half months after matuto siya, Level 3 agad ang sinalihan niya. Parang mid-beginner level iyon, pero sabi ng coach, pwede na raw siya agad sa Freestyle Level 2,” said Danilo Martinez, who is very proud of his granddaughter’s achievements.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay coach Justine Mendoza and Ronan Capili sa pagtitiwala at pagtuturo kay Audrey,” added the elder Martinez.
Audrey is the daughter of Miko and Sheena Canaria Martinez and niece of former PBA player James Martinez, who is currently competing in international tournaments.