Filipino short-track speed skater Peter Groseclose wasted no time upon arriving at the Youth Olympic Village at the Gangneung Wonju National University in Gangwon, South Korea.
Under the guidance of Olympian coach John-Henry Krueger, Groseclose immediately plunged into training at the Gangneung Ice Arena, gearing up for the Winter Youth Olympic Games opening on Friday.
Groseclose: 'I'm honored to represent the Philippines'
Having landed in Seoul just three days prior, the 16-year-old Groseclose also utilized the Mokdong ice rink for additional training ahead of his competitions.
“I’m very honored and grateful to become part of the Winter Youth Olympic Games representing the Philippines. I think it will be a great experience, and I’m very excited,” he said.
Among the three Filipino athletes qualifying for the games, Groseclose is set to be the first in the competition, participating in the 1,500 meters on Saturday, followed by the 1000 meters on Sunday and the 500 meters on Monday.
In the realm of men's short-track speed skating, where 36 athletes will compete, South Korea is expected to dominate, having excelled in previous editions.
Groseclose eyes Winter Olympics
Looking ahead, Groseclose has his sights on the 2026 Milano Cortina Italy Winter Olympics. As an 11th grader at Oakton High School in Virginia, United States, he aspires to represent the Philippines on the international stage.
Coached meticulously by Krueger, who has his Olympic achievements, Groseclose benefits from strategic training.
Victoria Groseclose, Peter's mother, stressed that the pre-competition training is not overly intense.
Krueger, a former US representative at the Pyeongchang 2018 games and a naturalized Hungarian athlete in Beijing two years later, brings valuable experience and leadership to Groseclose's preparation.
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