Three Filipinos are all set for the Winter Youth Olympics victory
Photo from philippineskating/Instagram
Philippines may be a tropical country but there’s no stopping these three Filipino athletes vying for the win at the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics starting January 19.
Carving their marks on the icy terrains of South Korea are Joseph Groseclose, Laetaz Amman Rabe and Avery Uriel Balbanida — all proving that temperatures know no bounds when it comes to sports.
On Monday, POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced the trio that would defy expectations amid tropical limitations.
“We Filipinos have defied limitations and embraced the challenges of competing in winter sports through the years. Our spirit knows no boundaries,” stated Tolentino.
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Meet the trio of young Filipino athletes
Peter Joseph Groseclose
The 16-year-old Filipino American speed skating maverick is all set to conquer the short track of speed skating. “He qualified for Gangwon with his No. 32 ranking in the boys’ 500 meters during the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships February last year in Dresden, Germany.,” said the Philippine Skating Union president Nikki Cheng.
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November of last year, he also proved his skills on ice as he clinched the fourth spot at the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating 1 held in Enschede, Netherlands.
When not gliding on ice, this Physics-lover can be found strumming his guitar or drawing. Before he shows the world that ice is his playground, he is sure to take some deep breaths to stay calm — a practice that he does before every competition.
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Laetaz Amman Rabe
This 14-year old is set to show her freestyle skills as she compete as an alternate turned contender in big air and free ski slope style. With two athlete withdrawals, she is now stepping up for the Winter Youth Olympics.
Not a newbie to challenges, this Filipino athlete displayed her ice prowess at the Swiss Freeski Tour held last year from January to March.
Avery Uriel Balbanida
Also at 14-years-old, Filipino Canadian Balbanida is set to leave a mark in the cross-country skiing scene.
Earning his FİŞ license (known as International Ski and Snowboard Federation) through sweat and snow in FİŞ-sanctioned tournaments, his qualification proved his skating skills.
This 2024 marks the third time Filipino athletes are joining the Winter Youth Olympics since 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria.
Will these young Filipino athletes conquer the frozen frontier? Only time will tell, but we’re sure raising our flags for these teen sports heroes.
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