Michael Christian Martinez returns to competitive figure skating, eyes international comeback in 2027

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 22, 2026

Photo courtesy: Michael Christian Martinez | Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Winter Olympian Michael Christian Martinez is preparing for another chapter in his skating career, with plans to compete in the 2026 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships this November and potentially return to international competition next year.

The two-time Olympian announced his comeback in a Facebook post on Monday, October 19, marking his return to competitive skating after several years away.

Martinez previously represented the Philippines at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. He made history as the first Filipino figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics, according to the International Skating Union (ISU).

Since stepping away from competition, Martinez has devoted much of his time to coaching and guiding younger athletes. He admitted that he had not expected to compete again, despite frequently receiving questions about a possible return.

Those conversations eventually led him to reconsider his decision, opening the door to another attempt at competitive skating.

However, Martinez made clear that his latest comeback will be different from his earlier years as an Olympic athlete.

Acknowledging the physical demands of returning to the sport, he said his priority is to rediscover the enjoyment of competing rather than place pressure on himself to match his previous performances.

He also expressed interest in competing internationally again in 2027, although his immediate focus remains on the upcoming national championships.

“I honestly don’t know how far this comeback will go, and maybe that’s what makes it exciting. One competition at a time. Let’s just see what happens,” Martinez wrote.

The planned return follows his retirement from competitive skating in 2021, as recorded in his ISU athlete profile.