GANGWON, South Korea — Peter Groseclose came close to a podium finish but fell short after a collision in the men’s 500 meters of short track speedskating in the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games on Monday, Jan. 22.
Groseclose was in hot pursuit for third place in the five-player final round, but collided with China’s Zhang Bohao to lose momentum and finish fifth and last.
“I got tripped,” said the 16-year-old Fil-American, who had to be treated for a wound on his foot caused by the blade of his skates.
United States Sean Boxiong Shuai won the gold medal with a clocking of 41.498 seconds, followed by China’s Zhang Xinzhe (41.755) and Hungary’s Dominik Gergely Major (41.969).
Bohao came in fourth in 45.685 seconds.
“I think it was my blade that cut the right side of my foot, but I’m okay,” said Groseclose, who earlier raced in the 1,500m and 1,000m.
“It’s still fifth overall — or five out of 36 entries,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino said.
“The Philippines is proud of Peter’s accomplishment despite what happened. Nothing to be ashamed of,” he added.
“Close to the bronze but still so much to be proud of. Still our best finish ever in a winter sport at an Olympic event,” Philippine team’s chief of mission Ada Milby said.
