The Philippines may be a country ruled by sun and sand, but the nation’s winter sports athletes are world-class.
Given that the Philippines is a country with a tropical climate, it may come as a surprise to hear about Filipinos competing in winter sports. But, what may be even more pleasantly surprising is to discover that the Philippines has a pretty consistent record in major international competitions, such as the Winter Olympics.
“We Filipinos have defied limitations and embraced the challenges of competing in winter sports through the years,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino expressed.
This year, the Philippines has three young representatives who are doing this — defying limitations — as they will be competing in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea.
Peter Joseph Groseclose
At just 16 years old, Peter Joseph Groeclose is an accomplished speed skater. The Canadian-born athlete qualified as one of the three Filipino representatives to compete in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics after reaching a World No. 32 ranking in the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships for the boys’ 500-meter event last year.
In the upcoming Winter Olympics, which starts on January 19, he will compete in three events: the 500-meter, 1000-meter, and 1,500-meter.
Avery Uriel Balbanida
Filipino-Canadian Avery Uriel Balbanida is a 14-year-old skier, who has recently earned his license and qualification from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FİŞ) with the points he earned from FİŞ-sanctioned competitions just last year, and is now ready to represent the Philippine flag in the Winter Youth Olympics.
In the upcoming tournament, Balbanida will compete in cross-country skiing — considered the oldest skiing event — wherein athletes travel over snow-covered terrains.
Laetaz Amihan Rabe
14-year-old Laetaz Amihan Rabe is another talented skier who specializes in the Freeski Slopestyle events, wherein athletes ski down slopes that include obstacles such as rails. This is considered one of the most exciting forms of skiing to watch.
In the upcoming Winter Youth Olympics, Rabe will compete in the freeski slopestyle event, as well as the big air event, where athletes perform freestyle tricks.
Banner image from Peter Groseclose on Instagram.
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