Philippines' Julian Macaraeg is another step closer to the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic gold

Julian Macaraeg finished first place in heat one of the men's short track speed skating competition at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Switzerland Monday.

Julian Macaraeg ???????? finishes in first place in heat one of the men's short track speed skate.

Watch LIVE: https://t.co/gl1CgqDUa9@ISU_Speed @youtholympics @Lausanne2020 pic.twitter.com/Os4SLr68GB

— Olympic Channel (@olympicchannel) January 20, 2020

With his finish, he is another step closer to the Philippines' first-ever gold in the prestigious tournament.

In a video posted on the Olmypic Channel website, Macaraeg said he considers the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics as the "biggest race of his whole life."

Macaraeg mentioned how Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo has become an inspiration after he was able to bring pride to the Philippines during the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Germany last October.

"Carlos Yulo is an inspiration to me because he was able to score a gold medal in the World Championships for gymnastics. I want to say thank you to him for making all the Filipinos proud," he said.

The 14-year-old added that he also hopes to compete anew in the 2022 edition of the Winter Youth Olympics in Beijing.

Macaraeg made history last January 2019 after becoming the first Filipino to qualify for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics following his 43.7-second finish in the 500-meter event of the 2019 ISU Junior World Short Track Championships in Canada.

Macaraeg, who was born in the United States, was first introduced to skating at 3 years old by his mother.

He played ice hockey at 5 years old before transitioning to short track speed skating at the age of 10.

Aside from Macaraeg, Filipino-American Alpine skier Ana Wahleithner is also competing in the prestigious league.

The 2020 Winter Youth Olympics is held from January 9 to 22 in Lausanne, Switzerland. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News