DESPITE being the youngest in her division, Bettina Domingo from the Philippines emerged victorious in the 2024 Indonesia National Open Short Track Speed Skating Championship, held at the Oasis Center Arena in Jakarta.
Competing in the female juniors (7-9 years old) division, the seven-year-old Domingo clinched three gold medals. Initially, Domingo finished second in the 500-meter event and third in the 333-meter and 222-meter events. However, due to a technical ruling, the medals were later elevated to gold.
Her coaches from the short-track team under the Philippine Skating Union, Kevin Villanueva and Chino Mulingtapang, expressed their pride in her determination and ability to compete against more seasoned rivals despite being her youth.
Domingo was accompanied by her mom, Cecille, in her first international competition.
“Bettina faced older, more experienced skaters, but she gave it everything she had,” said Cecille. “Her original medals are a symbol of her true achievement. She showed incredible heart, especially when she fell and got back up to finish the race. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Bettina is the daughter of Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas vice president Bing Domingo, and sports run in the family.
Her older brother, Boom Domingo, practices taekwondo and jiu-jitsu. The Domingos are committed to fostering a love of sports in their children, with Bettina’s success in skating a shining example.
Bettina was one of nine young skaters representing the Philippine Skating Union in this prestigious annual tournament, which draws budding talents from across Asia. Her victories in Jakarta mark a significant milestone in her budding career, with many more competitions on the horizon.
She will next compete in the Southeast Asia Open Track Competition slated for Sept. 28-29 at the Mall of Asia and in Melbourne, Australia on Oct 11-13 for the Australian Open Short Track Speed Skating Championships.
