Korean figure skater Kim Haejin sees the Philippines as a regular participant in Winter Games as interest in winter sports like ice-skating has started to gain momentum.
Although the Philippines is a tropical country, Kim is amazed with the interest the sport has gained over the years with Michael Martinez and up and coming skater Mishka Summer Bolos making heads turn in international stage.
“I think there are a lot of very good figure skaters here in the Philippines… they enjoy skating,” said the 19-year-old Kim last Tuesday at the gala exhibition of the Dream Program with Korean Figure Skaters at the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink in Pasay City.
Aside from Kim, also part of the delegation are fellow members of the Korean national team including choreographer Shin Yeaji, Kim Sena and Choi Whi, who all conducted a one-hour workshop to 28 members of the Philippine Skating Union age 7 to 19 years old.
The four ice skaters also performed their individual routines that entertained the crowd.
The event was part of Korea’s promotion for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games slated Feb. 9-25 and March 9-18, respectively, in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“I hope that many people will be interested in joining the Winter Olympics,” said Kim, who participated in the last Winter Olympics held in the city of Sochi in Russia back in 2014.
As for the Filipinos competing in the Winter Games, Kim said anything is possible for the young athletes as long as they train hard, like what she did when she finally realized her Olympic dream.
