PH ice skaters bag silver, bronze medals in ISU Development Trophy swan song

THE Philippines clinched a silver and a bronze medal in its swan song participation in the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Trophy over the weekend at the SM Megamall but it was North Korea which made quite a splash.

Sofia Guidote placed second in the Basic Novice A Girls behind Ro Hyang Mi of DPR Korea, with South African Jaydean Brits earning the final place in the podium.

Meanwhile, Elia Mendoza finished third in the Basic Novice B that was won by Korean Kim Un Hyang followed by Courtney Kuhn of South Africa.

All North Korean entries made podium finishes as Han Kum Choi and Han Kwang Bo placed second and third, respectively, in the Junior Men.

A total of 56 skaters from 15 countries took part in the six-day event where coaches and their charges underwent a five-day training camp before last Saturday’s tournament.

A panel of ICU-accredited judges evaluated the performances.

To cap off the competition, Olympian Michael Martinez delivered a program for the public and the participants. It was his recent performance at the Sochi Olympics that elevated the Philippines to a “developed status” in international ice skating circles.