At just seven years old, Bettina Domingo is making waves in the global short-track speed skating scene, recently securing a third-place finish in the Junior F Ladies Category at the 2024 Australian Open Short Track Speed Skating Championships.
Competing against athletes from powerhouse nations like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Korea, China, and Malaysia, Bettina raced in four events: 111m, 222m, 333m, and 500m.
“A huge thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone for your support and prayers. I couldn’t have done this without you all,” Bettina said after her impressive podium finish.
She gave special thanks to her parents, Cecille and Bing Domingo, the latter of whom is the vice-president of Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas, and her coach Kevin, for their patience and encouragement.
Her father, Bing, who accompanied Bettina to Melbourne, praised her performance. “Bettina showed incredible heart and skill, competing fiercely against talented skaters. It’s clear she’s gaining confidence and improving with every event,” he shared.
Despite the disruption of false fire alarms at their hotel two nights in a row, Bettina remained focused and determined.
Before her success in Melbourne, Bettina had an outstanding run at the 2024 Indonesia National Open Short Track Speed Skating Championship in Jakarta.
Competing in the 7-9 age division, she clinched three gold medals despite initially finishing second and third in some events. Due to a technical ruling, her medals were elevated, recognizing her true achievement.
Bettina’s mother, Cecille, who accompanied her to Jakarta, expressed immense pride: “Bettina faced older, more experienced skaters, but she gave it everything she had. Her original medals symbolize her incredible heart, especially when she fell and got back up to finish the race. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
With a growing list of accolades and an indomitable spirit, Bettina Domingo is quickly becoming a young icon in the world of speed skating, showing the world that this small wonder from the Philippines is ready to take on the global stage.
