Slalom racer Asa Miller’s forthcoming stint at the Beijing Winter Olympics should open the doors for more Filipino athletes making it to the Games.
“Definitely, in the next Winter Olympics, we will have more entries,” said Bones Floro, chef-de-mission of the lean Philippine delegation in Beijing where temperature has plummeted to -10 to -15 degrees this week.
Floro said the Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation, headed by Jemuel Apelar, is trying very hard to further promote winter sports among Filipinos, who broke the ice in 2014 when figure skater Michael Martinez vied in the Sochi Winter Olympics.
“Dumadami na,” said Floro, referring to Filipinos taking up winter sports, during Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
“In snowboard, from one athlete they have around eight to 10 now. They’re getting there. We also have speed skaters now,” added Floro, now in the Chinese capital making sure Miller remains in peak condition.
“He’s in very high spirits. He’s training now in the mountains as we speak. He’s very positive and very passionate and very proud,” said Floro during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Unilever, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and social media and webcast partner Prime Edge.
The 21-year-old Miller, an alpine skier born in Portland, Oregon, saw action during the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. He competed in the giant slalom event and finished 70th among 110 entries.
Floro said Miller is determined to do better this time.
“He’s been excited for the last four years. He prepared for four years. He’s more prepared now. He has grown and he has matured. He said his equipment is first-rate,” said Floro.
Miller, whose mother is from Sta. Cruz, Manila, will see action in two events this time—the giant slalom and slalom on Feb. 13 and 16. Both events will have over 100 participants.
“That’s why Asa is so excited,” said Floro.