(8 March 2014, Pasay City, Philippines) Olympian Michael Christian Martinez is withdrawing from the World Junior Championships after being advised by his doctor and coach to take it easy and recover from multiple injuries.
“Michael is withdrawing from the Bulgaria competition. It’s the doctor’s and coach’s decision. Michael’s doctor has recommended that he withdraw from the World Junior since his knee injury has not completely healed yet, and his falls during his current practices are adding to the injuries,” mother Maria Teresa Martinez said.
A skater’s life has never been easy and Martinez has sustained multiple injuries to the ankle, knee and thigh since 2009. Martinez was supposed to compete in the Junior Men Single category of the World Junior Championships which will be held from March 10 to 16 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight, inspired by skaters spinning and jumping while shopping with his mother at SM Southmall. He began training in 2010 in the United States and since then his lifelong dream has been to win an Olympic medal. Martinez has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions.
Through the years, SM and the Philippine Skating Union have conducted several figure skating competitions that have given birth to international champions such as Martinez.
The excellence demonstrated by skaters, especially during competitions is a mark of quality that the SM Skating Rink can provide with its world-class venue and facilities. Property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. operates skating rinks through SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.
For information, contact:
Ms. Nicole Deato
AVP and Business Unit Head for Educational and Leisure Centers
SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc.
nicolemariz.deato@smsupermalls.com
www.smsupermalls.com
Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
SVP for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
smicweb.smicit.com
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2014