Martinez may skip world meet

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Martinez will withdraw from competing at the World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai on March 23-29 if he’s not cleared by doctors attending to his treatment of hip and ankle contusions from a bad fall during practice on the ice rink early this month.

Martinez, 18, is based in Anaheim where he rents a room with his mother Teresa. He arrived in Manila two weeks ago to attend the PSA Awards Night and consult with doctors on his condition. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Manuel Pecson of the Asian Hospital ruled out fractures after reviewing MRIs of Martinez’ right ankle and right hip which were banged up from the fall.

“Thank God, no fractures,” said Martinez’ mother. “But his hip and ankle are still swollen. He’s been given stronger medicine and he’ll continue therapy. Doctors will check on his condition again this week. The chances of competing in Shanghai are getting dimmer but we’ve just gotten word that there’s advanced treatment in China so right now, we’re checking if Michael can go. Our plan is to hasten his recovery so he can compete.” Aside from Dr. Pecson, Martinez consults with chiropractor Dr. Martin Camara.

Martinez’ mother, however, said if he isn’t 100 percent, the first Southeast Asian figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics won’t push it. “We’re down to three weeks of training if Michael competes,” said his mother. “The chances are 50-50. We’re considering to apply for a therapeutic exception certificate from the international federation. This will allow Michael to be injected with steroids. Two weeks before the Winter Olympics last year, Michael received a certificate and took steroid shots for his swollen left knee. For Shanghai, Michael has qualified to compete in the short program but only the top 24 placers will advance to perform in the freeskate.”

The deadline to submit entries for the World Championships is March 2. The competitions will be held at the 17,923-seat Crown Indoor Stadium of the Oriental Sports Center.  Japan’s 5-7 Yuzuru Hanyu, 20, is the defending men’s singles champion.

Martinez hasn’t competed since finishing second of 15 at the Warsaw Cup in Poland last November. “All the skaters were from Europe except Michael,” his mother noted. “Michael had no traveling coach since the US season was going on and his coaches were committed to various meets. Russia won the gold medal. Michael was quite impressive and took second place.”

Martinez’ two previous appearances were at the Lombardia Cup in Milan on Sept. 18-21 and the Grand Prix Skate America in Chicago on Oct. 23-26. In Milan, he wound up sixth of 13 and in Chicago, was 10th of 12. There were three Asian skaters in both the Milan and Chicago competitions.

Martinez said now more than ever, he is challenged to perform to the best of his ability for the country. “I’m very focused on my training,” he said. “I know this sport is very dangerous and delicate. One slight mistake on the ice could be costly. I’ve already suffered many injuries. Although the skating season is from August to April, I skate all year round to stay sharp. There’s almost no rest. Preseason training begins in June and top-level skaters from around the world get together to test their programs and meet with different coaches in the US. It’s also an opportunity to get acquainted with other skaters.”

Martinez’ mother said her son had a lot of catching up to do because he started skating at a relatively late age. “Most of the world’s top skaters began when they were three or four,” she said. “Michael started recreational skating when he was eight. But he persevered. He’s very disciplined when it comes to taking care of his body.”

Martinez is full-time into figure skating so that he is temporarily out of school. Eventually, he hopes to take up courses related to sports medicine, physical education and therapy. He’s also interested in film and photography.

“Michael hasn’t skated since his fall last Feb. 4,” said his mother. “So if he competes in Shanghai, he’ll cram his training. If he performs poorly, it will leave a negative impression on the judges. Only the top 24 will advance from the short program to the freeskate so Michael has to excel. It’s almost like he’ll relearn his routine all over again when he comes back from rehab. Although he’s qualified to compete at the World Juniors, Michael is now focused strictly on the seniors tour.” If Martinez isn’t able to compete in Shanghai, he hopes to end the season by performing in a meet in Slovenia, where he is the defending champion, in April.

Martinez said the level of competition on the global stage has added pressure on skaters to raise their standards. “Every year, the level goes up,” he said. “Skaters are now more athletic, more skilled. It’s like the quadruple jump where you do four rotations in the air is almost mandatory.” With support from the SM Group, Martinez has brought in a new choreographer Nikolai Morozov, ice dance coach Lia Trovati and travel coach Peter Kongkasem to work with overall coaches Ilya Kulik and John Nicks.