Philippines' Miller returns to training in Beijing

MANILA, Philippines — Asa Miller returned to training Saturday after taking a one-day break to attend the grand opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics held at the Beijing National Stadium.

The country’s lone bet to the quadrennial event practiced for two hours—10 a.m. to 12 noon— at the National Alpine Skiing Centre located atop Xiaohaituo Mountain and was accompanied by his father Kelly in the massive slalom practice area.

There, the 21-year-old Fil-Am alpine skier showed no signs of slowing down in spite of the soreness he felt that was caused by three straight days of training prior to Friday’s inaugurals.

“He [Asa] felt really good today (yesterday) during his return to training. It’s more on slalom training,” said Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation (PSSF) President Jim Apelar.“It’s much better today than yesterday even though he’s a little bit tired.”

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino was with Miller and the small five-man contingent who were awed by the extravagant opening rites that ushered in the 16-day meet.

“It was superb preparation and great opening show,” said the congressman from Tagaytay who went to Zhangjiakou Athletes Village – one of the three main competition zones after Beijing and Yanqing – for a meeting.

“We are very thankful to Asa for representing us here,” he added.

The Philippines was 69th among 91 nations in the order of parade.

Miller, who will be competing for his second consecutive Winter Games after his debut in 2018 Pyeongchang Games, will start racing in men’s giant slalom on February 13 and men’s slalom three days later.