Skye Chua proud of winter sports' growth in the Philippines

Add figure skater Skye Chua to the growing list of athletes who represent the Philippines in the global stage.

Chua, a University of the Philippines sports science student, is the country's representative to the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games to be held in Turin, Italy which will be held from January 13 to 23.

"Of course, there's pressure to perform well but at the same time, I'm really excited kasi gusto ko makita like how it is to compete in such a big competition and see everyone na din, 'yung mga skaters," Chua told GMA News Online.

Chua, a bronze medalist at the SEA Open Figure Skating Trophy last year, has been skating since she was seven and has also seen the growth of figure skating in the Philippines.

In the recent years, the country has seen the likes of figure skaters Michel Martinez, Edrian Celestino, Sofia Frank, Isabella Gamez, and Aleksandr Korovin compete in international competitions, and now, Chua has another chance to represent the country as well. 

Aside from figure skating, the Philippines will also send representatives for curling, skiing and speed skating in the upcoming Asian Winter Games.

With the recent growth of winter sports such as figure skating in the Philippines, the 21-year old figure skater and Sparkle artist said the development has been encouraging not only for her, but other athletes as well.

"Well, of course, [I'm] very proud of my teammates competing sa world winter games. It's such a big thing. And I know pinaghandaan nila 'to nang sobra-sobra. They've been constantly training and super consistent sila. I see a lot of progress from where they were last year to where they are now. And I'm excited lang kasi once na parang they put themselves out there and they do well, mas lalong ma-encourage 'yung mga bata or skaters here back home na parang, 'Oh, baka kayo ko rin. Maabot ko rin yan. So, it's really encouraging din na seeing them there. Nakaka-proud talaga," she added.

For Chua, however, the dream is to also compete in elite international tournaments and develop future figure skaters.

"My dream in skating, of course, [is] to be able to compete in bigger competitions such as 'yung sinasalihan nina Sofia. So, really bigger competitions for me. And I really want to do better. I feel like I can push more. No injuries sana," she said.

"For Philippine skating naman, I guess my dream is really to be able to help 'yung mga bata ngayon. Like, for them to be able to take a bigger leap. Para mas malaki 'yung progress nila kaysa sa generation namin, and I'm seeing that now. Ang layo na ng difference namin, parang mas mabilis na talaga sila mag-improve," Chua added.

—JKC, GMA integrated News