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Figure skater Isabella Gamez hopes she can represent Philippines well like her lolo Freddie Webb
Figure skater Isabella Gamez, one half of the pair that bagged the Philippines' first international medal in pairs skating, is proud of her Filipino lineage.
The 23-year old skater, who was born and raised in the United States, said her parents made it a point for her family to be aware of their roots, with her three other siblings being born in the Philippines, and she and another one being born in America.
"My parents made it really important that growing up, we went home to the Philippines for about a month to understand our roots, where we come from, and so we have a strong background," Gamez said in an interview with GMA News Online.
Gamez said her paternal side consists of a long list of doctors in the family, while on her mom's side, the figure skater is part of the lineage of former Olympian and senator Freddie Webb. She is the grandniece of the basketball legend.
Asked about how she feels about being related to the Philippine sports icon, Gamez said her discipline may have come from the former senator.
"It feels pretty good but ever since I was five or six years old, I always had the focus and the discipline and determination, and growing up, my family would tell 'Oh you're like your Lolo Freddie'. I would say that's where my discipline comes from and I think it's an honor that he is my lolo so i think, we're really looking forward to working with each other in the future," Gamez said.
"I know that he's very excited and he's well aware of me and Alexander [Korovin] skating and that he's confident that we can make a good future for Philippine sports," she said.
Gamez is grateful that she has a strong support system in her skating journey, particularly her family, especially now that she has the chance to make an impact in Philippine sports herself.
"Having Freddie Webb, knowing that I can follow his steps, it's a very good feeling to know especially now that after our accomplishment last week, I know that the Philippines is now very supportive."
Gamez previously represented Spain and the United States in her previous competitions and has recently shifted to carry the Philippine flag, along with her Russian partner Alexander Korovin.
In a trip to the Philippines last April, the two made sure that they are aware of the country they are representing.
"I brought Alexander and we wanted to make sure that he knew the country he was representing and I think Alexander really liked it," Gamez said. "It's really important for me that I represent my country well because growing up, I had a strong connection with the Philippines, even if I'm American and grew up in the US."
Korovin, meanwhile, said he thinks he made the right decision to represent the Philippines.
"I think yes it's the right choice because people in the Philippines are friendly and very kind," he said.
Gamez and Korovin will compete in Warsaw, Poland two weeks from now and will be back in Manila in December for the skating national championships and a Christmas gala.
—JMB, GMA News
