First Filipino Olympic ice skater Michael Martinez competed in the medal round of the men's figure skating event in the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Michael performed to the tune of Ernesto Lecuona’s Malaguena during the finals of the men’s figure skating event on February 14, 2014 at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. He garnered a total score of 184.25 points after the short and free programs.

In an interview by News5, the 17-year-old is glad he has inspired a lot of Filipinos and he’s thankful for the prayers of his kababayans.

“Sobrang saya sobrang nakakataba ng puso, thankful na continous pa rin ang support and prayers nila sa akin,” he said.

Michael shared what his mom told him before his performance.

“Sinabi niya kailangang maging focus, dapat confident na ako and less pressure kasi wala nang…nag-qualify na ako sa final round and just pray to God and be confident.”

The Filipino figure skater failed to win a gold, silver or bronze but making it to the Top 24 and compete in the medal round of the men’s figure skating event is a historical feat not only in the Philippines but to the whole of Southeast Asia.

According to reports, Michael is tagged in Russia as the “darling of the press” because the international media got curious about his journey to the Winter Olympics specially that the Philippines is a tropical country.

— WATCH THE VIDEO HERE —